Album Release Performance at Highline Ballroom as Part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival
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Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Maya Azucena releases her newest album, Cry Love, on iTunes on June 24th with a special headline performance at New York City’s Highline Ballroom that evening and official, physical release slated for September 13th. Attendees will be able to purchase the physical copy before it hits stores exclusively at her New York release event.
Her impressive versatility unfolds over ten original compositions plus a dramatic interpretation of “Little Ghetto Boy.” Released on her new imprint label, Azucena Songs, and distributed by Half Note Records, Cry Love represents a powerful journey that distills the universal themes of love, survival, and hope into 50 unforgettable minutes.
“My hope is to uplift and inspire through my music. I feel Cry Love is the album that will really allow people to hear the depth of my artistry and message,” states Maya.
An anthem for justice, the title track and first single (stream: http://snd.sc/k4H2CP), is steeped in Maya’s concern for humankind and constitutes the album’s core concept. Her desire to inspire, empower, and embolden listeners saturates both the edgy groove of “Warriors” and the sanguine sway of “Near,” as well as her gripping duet with distinguished singer/pianist Chris Rob on the Donny Hathaway classic, “Little Ghetto Boy.” Taking a page from Maya’s own life, “The Half” is a harrowing tale propelled by no less a rock legend than guitarist Vernon Reid. Emerging triumphant from near tragedy, she invites dancehall icon iNi Kamoze aboard for a victory lap on “My Back’s Not Up Against the Wall” while the glistening, acoustic qualities of “Belong to the Sun” furnish another standout cut. The songs are all unified by a remarkable depth and stunning musicality.
Maya Azucena emerged as a captivating presence on the landscape of popular music following her self-released debut Maya Who?! and the critically acclaimed Junkyard Jewel. Billboard and the Washington Post have heralded her mesmerizing performances as well as the Village Voice who said, “armed with a powerfully compelling voice, Azucena just could be the most impressive of the current hip-hop/soul/r&b diva crop.” Her 2008 performance at SXSW prompted the Austin Chronicle to declare her the “best pipes” at the festival.
Appreciated by many artists in the worlds of hip-hop, soul, jazz, dance and reggae, Maya has been a part of many collaborations including Mr. Cheeks, Cormega, Immortal Technique and Jonathan Peters. Her work with Stephen Marley on the album Mind Control netted a Best Reggae Album Grammy in 2007, and in 2010, she was heard on multiple tracks from the critically acclaimed album Pickin’ Up The Pieces by Fitz and The Tantrums.
Track Listing:
Cry Love
Shine
Near
Changed My Mind
The Half
Belong To The Sun
My Back’s Not Up Against The Wall (feat. iNi Kamoze)
Run Into The Light
Warriors
Live On
Little Ghetto Boy (feat. Chris Rob)
