My girl Olivia Ayes and I stopped by Legacy Books and Café last Saturday to check out Phonetics with headliner Maya. Who?
That’s what people keep asking and what she named her first CD. Her last name is Azucena (ah-su-say-nah), an independent artist with a compelling voice hailing from Brooklyn. Girlfriend performed a blend of hip-hop, soul, and R&B, ending the Phonetics vocal-series show on Saturday to a packed house at Legacy Books & Cafe. Backed by Cosmosaic, Maya’s soulful sounds entranced the audience, who gave so much energy back that she extended her set a few more songs. Ron “Chill” Williams even joined in during “G-hetto,” dedicated to Maya’s upbringing in the streets of New York and her appreciation of it all.
The Phonetics showcase also featured the powerful voice of Tasleem “Jamila” Firdausee from Chicago, performing a series of Spoken Word pieces and advocating empowerment. Also a designer, actress, activist and educator of disadvantaged youth, Jamila inspires with her soul speaking through words. Her upcoming CD entitled Lyrical War Tactics is one you should not miss.
The bluesy, jazzy sounds of St. Louis’ very own Cosmosaic definitely set the mood during the showcase. Led by Tracy Mitchell on guitar and voice, the six-piece band sounded nothing less than incredible. I also enjoyed Shante “Life” Davis when she graced the mic. Go’on girl. Big ups to Floyd Boykin Jr., who hosted the show and came out of pocket to bring Maya to St. Louis, and SpokenVizions Magazine for sponsoring the event.