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Benjy Myaz
Male
Kingston
Jamaica - Share
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Musician, Producer, Recording and Performing Artiste,
Profile Information
- Marital Status
- Single
- Where are you located?
- Kingston Jamaica
- Tell us a little about you....
- “A fine line separates musicians who play music to live and those who live to play music. I live to play music… it is my life” Benjy Myaz
Benjy Myaz was born in a little town called Haddington, Hanover, on the island of Jamaica. He and his other seven musical siblings were exposed to music at an early age, playing with the band in their father's church. Benjy quickly learned the guitar and was always eager to play at devotions in primary school and do rehearsals with the church groups. He went on to study music at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. After leaving school in 1984, Benjy taught music for two years at the high school level and began further studies with private tutors earning tertiary accreditation from the London Royal School of Music.
Benjy’s professional musical career began when he started working in Jamaica’s tourist industry, playing in most of the north coast hotels for nearly eight years. During that time, Benjy applied and received a scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. Faith, in its divinity, wouldn’t have it that way. He, however, went on to develop skills in bass playing, arranging, songwriting and music production and his career as a musician is credited to his vast knowledge about music.
The musician has command of at least seven instruments, with his first love being the Bass. This he owes to diligent studies and an innate love for music. According to Benjy, “When a musician is formally trained, it allows him or her to appreciate the origin and growth of music. It gives you deeper perspective about your craft.”
As a producer, he got his first big break in 1986 when he arranged and produced a remake of Brooke Benton's classic “So Many Ways”, performed by Dennis Malcolm, which went to the number one position in Jamaica, England and New York. With hopes of touring as a bassist, Benjy became a member of the Rhythm Kings Band, touring with several artistes including Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Shinehead and J.C. Lodge. His other credits include appearing as a bassist for the chorale, Sounds of Blackness and also Jimmy Cliff.
During this period he realized his other dreams, singing, writing and arranging music. The nineties afforded him the opportunity to produce, write, arrange and collaborate with top Reggae/Pop/Gospel/Folk/Urban recording artists such as Third World, Garnet Silk, Ken Boothe, Joan Myers, Pam Hall, Michael St. George, Bankie Banx, Freddie McGregor and Jazz Pianist Onajae Allan Gumbs. Myaz has co-produced several projects with ace producer, Bobby Digital, including tracks on Sizzla’s album, The Real Thing and Capleton’s Reign of Fire among others. He has also produced several musical projects for Fyah Wyah and Joanna Marie.
As a solo act, he performed alongside international artists Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds, Bankie Banx and most recently with Peabo Bryson at the Buzz Production’s “To Mom With Love” concert series held in Jamaica. He performed at World Food Day (Nov.2000) at James Bond Beach, Ocho Rios, Reggae Sumfest (Jamaica’s premier music festival) and the Jamaica Jazz Festival.
Benjy says one highlight of his career, was performing his first single, a cover of Love You Higher at the Prime Minister's Ball in 2000, alongside international recording artiste Randy Crawford, who had originally recorded the song, to her surprise and delight. He had released the cover 1995 prior to that memorable performance and it had been receiving massive airplay and has become a classic in the annals of reggae music.
On the international scene, Benjy toured Japan following the launch of his album Time Together to promote its release. He also performed at Midem 97 (France); and Anguilla's annual Moonsplash, held in March 2007, where he appeared as bassist and musical director for Bankie Banx, and has been since 1997. In 1999 he received a Nomination Medal & Certificate from the Grammy Committee for being a part of Toots and the Maytals Grammy-nominated album.
To date, Benjy has released three albums. His Debut Album Intimate Relationship was released in the U.S. in 1997. Time Together, released in Jamaica and Japan in 1998 and the U.S. in 2000 (VP Records). His own label, My’ Werks Music, released Long Story Short, the third vocal album, in November 2005.
Prior to completing Long Story Short, Benjy produced an instrumental album entitled You’ve Got Me -- the first of its kind ever produced in Jamaica - featuring the sound of the Bass as the lead instrument up front which is being prepared for mastering and packaging.
Music lovers are going to love experiencing this side of Benjy Myaz. In order to accomplish the variations, he utilized his knowledge of other instruments to transform the bassist’s melodies. He states, “The Bass was always an accompanying rather than a lead instrument and the concept was to create melodies and not make them sound repetitious or monotonous”.
This instrumental album he says “was strongly inspired by fusion musicians like Herbie Hancock, George Duke and in particular, bass players Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius. It has international appeal, but does not leave out the ‘Reggae feel’, which, Benjy says “…brings back the album to its grass roots".
Benjy continues to tour and perform in Jamaica and on the international scene, always creating new music and recording new sounds. According to Benjy, “I am about chasing creativity, not the competition".
For more information & contact visit:
www.benjymyaz.com
www.linkedin.com/in/benjymyaz
www.myspace.com/benjymyaz
www.myspace.com/mywerksmusic
Email: mywerks.music@gmail.com
mywerks@yahoo.com
Vmail: 876-808-7232
© My‘ Werks Music/Production 2008
VISIT
Benjy Myaz
- How did you hear about the Jazz Network?
- Was introduced by Nelson Harrison
- Website:
- http://www.benjymyaz.com
'Smile Jamaica' Its Morning Time(Live on Television of Jamaica..tvj)
Benjy Myaz's Blog
My Werks Music/Productions presents
Posted on November 18, 2008 at 7:38am —
Benjy Myaz and friends - polished, soothing, inspiring
Basil Walters, The Jamaica Observer staff reporter
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
It certainly was not a night of "long story short", as Benjy Myaz called his last album released three years ago. On the contrary, with the help of friends singers A'Lisa, Charmaine Limonius and the Guyanese born saxophonist Courtney Fadlin, Myaz, the artiste, on Friday, gave the full length at the Red Bones Blues Café. A singer, bass player and producer, Benjy delivered a most electic set covering a wide range… Continue
It certainly was not a night of "long story short", as Benjy Myaz called his last album released three years ago. On the contrary, with the help of friends singers A'Lisa, Charmaine Limonius and the Guyanese born saxophonist Courtney Fadlin, Myaz, the artiste, on Friday, gave the full length at the Red Bones Blues Café. A singer, bass player and producer, Benjy delivered a most electic set covering a wide range… Continue
Posted on October 10, 2008 at 11:30am —
Benjy Myaz' 'Werks' delight at RedBones
published: Wednesday | October 8, 2008
Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer
At times Benjy Myaz relaxed on a high stool and led with his guitar, at other points he came front and centre and led with his voice, still with plucking the strings. Sometimes his voice stood on its own, at one point it alternated with special guest A'lisa, at others it gave way to Charmaine Limonius, just as he did with the guitar and saxophone of Courtney Fadlin. In all cases the musician and singer, along with the band, d… Continue
At times Benjy Myaz relaxed on a high stool and led with his guitar, at other points he came front and centre and led with his voice, still with plucking the strings. Sometimes his voice stood on its own, at one point it alternated with special guest A'lisa, at others it gave way to Charmaine Limonius, just as he did with the guitar and saxophone of Courtney Fadlin. In all cases the musician and singer, along with the band, d… Continue
Posted on October 10, 2008 at 7:30am —
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
Uncle Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum is my 80 year-old uncle who has FORGOTTEN more about jazz than I've even learned yet! He released his CD "Introducing Hugh 'Peanuts' Whalum" after gigging in the St. Louis scene for over 55 years! Needless to say his voice, his saxophone, his piano... like a fine, aged Merlot. His energy?! I dare not try and keep up. I'm on stage falling asleep by the time he gets going good – cut from a different cloth. Arnette, Coleman, Hamp, Hank... fine cloth.
Why do I bring them up? Because they represent something really important that we now get to enjoy, like they did back then, but now through technology on sites like this, that we've been missing.
The good news, since family – in this case JAZZ FAMILY – and relationships are much more important, more fulfilling... is that I feel RICHER knowing and following you guys music on THE JAZZ NETWORK!
Sincerely,
Kirk WHALUM
www.kirkwhalum.com
"Congratulations on your creativity, energy and dedication to Jazz, knowing and have worked with your Dad ~ its all in the genes".
~Clem De Rosa
Professional Musician, Educator, Arranger, Composer and Band Leader
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The Jazz Network Holiday Promotion offers its members a spot on the front page to display your CD cover for immediate click-thru for purchase for holiday gifting! Feel free to contact Jaijai for details for now is a good time to start promoting Holiday sales!
If you have interest in having a featured spot, want to be spotlighted, promote a 'gig' or CD release party with a flyer or banner, stream your gigs live from a venue worldwide, give a shout-out for any reason ~ post a press release...have a business we should know about?... or even a "sneak peek" of your upcoming release? How about managers looking for artists, or indie labels looking for submissions...This is the place to do it!
Jaijai is also making herself available to help you promote your artistry with marketing tips that will take you to the next level.
If you are interested in becoming a client, please let her know.
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Contact her here on the site to discuss your creative thoughts!
Happy Networking!
:-)
Artwork courtesy of Jeff Laibson
SPOTLIGHTED ARTISTS
Finding THE JAZZ NETWORK has been an amazing experience for Musique Noire. The opportunity to not only gain exposure among the jazz community, but to also learn and network with others in the jazz world has been invaluable. It is a place where we are all treated equally, whether one is a major label act or an indie artist, whether one plays traditional jazz or any of the "branches" of the jazz Family "tree".
Musique Noire is honored to be spotlighted here and are deeply grateful to Jaijai for creating this wonderful world. We're here to stay!
~ Musique Noire
Jaijai, what a wonderful mission you've undertaken to create such a place for artistic minds to meet and share their hearts. A place to renew faded determinations, and revive lessened momentums. A place to display our wares and reconfirm to one another that we actually are on the right track.
I commend you, Jaijai, for caring so much that you created this castle of the heart for all of us. I want to share my praise for all of the new friends as well as old friends that I've met and will meet here in our castle. Here we can garnish the where-with-all, the strength, the conviction, and the selflessness through our symbiosis, to share our gift to the world with an unbiased agenda.
My mentor, Daisaku Ikeda says of art: "A beautiful flower delights and refreshes the hearts of all people equally, no matter what soil it grows in. That is the power of beauty. The same is true of great art. It is this spirit that the German poet Heinrich Heine sang of when he wrote that once the peapod bursts open, the sugar peas inside are for everyone to enjoy."
Let's be audacious, my friends!
Buster Williams
"It was a pleasure to be featured on the Jazz Network Main Page. This Network is a unique forward step for independence, contact and conversation between artist, promoters/agents and fans.
Thank you Jaijai for offering a professional meeting place. I've met new musicians and rediscovered old friends I haven't seen or heard from in years. May we all continue to expand this network.
~ Will Calhoun
"I think that what Jaijai Jackson has done with the Jazz Network shows how the eternal love for this music is passed down from generation to generation. The fire her father lit in her has burned brightly and has inspired her to pass this torch on to future generations. I'm very proud to be featured and I'm very happy that Jazz has a voice and spirit like Jaijai looking after it."
~ Ron Kearns
I am so honored to be on The Jazz Network with so many wonderful and dedicated musicians. Jazz is the truly American art form and as I travel to other countries I find that their appreciation for jazz is really uplifting. There are so many excellent jazz musicians around the world now and The Jazz Network is helping us to find each other. Thank goodness for people like Jaijai who have dedicated so much time and effort to keep the jazz community together and for opening doors to us that we may never have found.
Regarding education in jazz, having done Master Classes in many places I find students need to take time and learn from the Masters and LISTEN. They should go back in history to appreciate ALL styles of jazz and its development. They need to learn melodies and lyrics (yes, even instrumentalists need to know lyrics) and that jazz is not just a series of modes and riffs. I think The Jazz Network can be an excellent tool for that also.
Thank you Jaijai...you are awesome!
~ Lenore Raphael
"Thank you Jaijai for creating a space for the likes of me! I truly enjoy being featured here and really hope it can give me new contacts and opportunities.
Keep up the good work!"
~ Patrick Rydman
Sweden
"The Jazz Network has come into being at just the right time. I believe that we are forever in need of spiritual and artistic enrichment and the way I see it, music, particularly jazz music, is all about the spirit. The Jazz Network allows us to reach out to our fellow artists across the world, in a way that has not been seen before, enlightening us as to who's out there making hip and happening music and helping to shape the culture. Whether artists approach this music from traditional perspectives or attempt to create new and radical sub-genres of jazz, the Jazz Network
is providing exposure, performance and recording opportunities that we might never have found on our own.
The Jazz Network is an amazing resource for the Jazz community. I'm
honored and happy to be a part of it.
Jaijai, thanks for your faith and what you're doing for the jazz community"
Best,
Nicolas
It’s a rare occasion when you meet someone who you feel a real connection to … Someone who possesses a kind spirit, unyielding generosity and a dedication to the jazz community beyond expectations.
Jaijai, thank you so much for creating such a fantastic website for the jazz community. You’ve helped artists connect with each other around the world.
I’m proud to have The Jazz Network be the first site to promote my latest recording. Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your dedication to the music and the artists.
With much love and gratitude,
Denise Donatelli
Hi Jaijai,
Stopping by to show you some love and tell you just how much I appreciate all you've been doing here, not just for me but for this incredible community of jazz musicians. I see that The Jazz Network is growing in leaps and bounds daily and want you to know that I recognize the importance of what's going on here, musicians having a place to connect with each other, young musicians having a place to meet and be mentored by musicians who have been around the block. You've created a beautiful space here and it's obvious that folks are feeling very much at home. Thanks for sharing your time, your heart, your soul. This is a huge commitment and you've taken it on with such determination. I wish you and The Jazz Network continued success and support you in all you're doing.
~ Marcus
© 2008 Created by Jaijai Jackson aka. "Woman of Jazz"
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Mikayla
Welcome to the Jazz Network family. We are so glad you arrived. Please share some of your work here so we can all enjoy your artistry.
Jaijai
Welcome to our Family here at TJN ~ Hope You will have a Lot of Fun with us --- as we have Great Talent, and Sounds at this very Special 24/7- J@zzClub !!
You surely will be a Real Asset here !!
Would be a Great Honour to be Your Friend ...
Regards;
xdrd
~~~~~~~~~~
Also would be a real Pleasure to Invite You to Join, and share our Luv of J@zz ~ with the Great Sounds at The J@zz Network Listening Room here --->
http://thejazznetwork.ning.com/group/thejzznetworklisteningroom
Happy Listening;
xdrd
....................
And if You wish --- would really be nice, if you could come and see us at our new Chat-Room here --->
http://thejazznetwork.ning.com/group/tjnchatroom
Happy Chatting !!