Myanna One Never Knows CD

Myanna, a veteran saxophonist based in the Boston area, is quite impressive throughout this soul-jazz set. Playing mostly originals that are soulful and bluesy, straddling the line between jazz and R&B, Myanna displays strong and often-powerful tones on four different saxophones. Sometimes she overdubs a second horn on melody statements. Her backup band keeps the grooves moving and displays individuality but Myanna is the main star. Whether it be a passionate R&B-ish ballad that is dedicated to the late Illinois Jacquet ("For Illinois") or a romp ("Road Rhythm" is a high point), she excels on this very likable date. Myanna deserves to be much better known. ~ Scott Yanow

CD REVIEW BY JOHN MARCUS; JAZZREVIEW.COMMyanna and a very talented group of world-class musicians cover a wide range of emotions and atmospheres on this incredible collection of songs. If I had to pick one song from this CD to give you an example of Myanna's strength on the saxophone, I would ask for two and try to slip in a third one. The best place to start is in the beginning. Myanna gives David Limina the honors of playing the first notes on the album. 47 seconds of sizzling Hammond B3 sets off a chain reaction of Jazz that sadly, has moments of silence between tracks. Such is the anticipation of the next number that I fast-forwarded just as each song ended to allow these folks to keep on playing.Myanna gives you the funky, the furious, and the flow, as she transitions through this recording. You want to have friends over for drinks? Going on a long drive? You want to spend a romantic evening with your soul-mate? How about your favorite Jazz station? I can see Myanna occupying all these spaces at once, because she's given us something for all occasions. Solos, exchanges, melodies, and most of all, FUN...interlaced within every note the band plays.Electrifying one moment, and soothing the next. "One Never Knows" what's coming from this classy and saxy lady. Although she's been in the game for a long time, pleasing crowds in the Northeast, this could be the one that finally gets her some well-deserved attention internationally. I certainly hope so. Keep on jammin, Myanna!

Liner Note Author: Eric D. Jackson.

Recording information: Wellspring Studios, Acton, MA (2004).

Photographer: Ron Pownall.

Personnel: Myanna (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Myanna; Ed Scheer, Ed Scheer (vocals); Dave Limina (piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ, Hammond b-3 organ); Tom West (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Wurlitzer organ); Ken Clark (Hammond b-3 organ); David Buda (bass instrument); Vinnie Damaio, Vinny Damaio (drums); Kevin Barry (guitar); Scott Aruda (trumpet); Jeff Galindo (trombone); Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Marty Richards (drums); Ricardo Monzon, Sa Davis (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Huck Bennert.

JazzTimes (p.82) - "[E]xhibiting jazz, soul-jazz, jazz-pop, R&B and/or funk characteristics. She handles them all expertly..."