Album Notes

/// REVIEWS /// “One of the best debut CDs of 2007 has to be Myoshi Marilla’s “The EP”, a five-song set of instrument-laden, classic-meets-modern music, perfectly complimented by Myoshi’s lush, jazzy vocals. The New York-based singer/songwriter's entire CD was recorded live, which accounts for its wonderfully classic, big band sound. The sweetly sentimental grooves “Smile” and “Hello” are sure to be favorites on the disc, while the rocking energy and emotion of “How Does It Feel” and bare bliss of “Angel” show Myoshi’s versatility and depth as an artist.” - Deb Hinds Planetsoul.com/SoulTalk ================ Myoshi:The EP. A mixture of jazz ("Hello"), old school soul ("Angel") and a jazz/rock fusion ("Smile," "How Does It Feel"), the disc shows a versatile young artist finding her sound. Myoshi occasionally has a light, playful voice, but shows she can also be belt it out on cuts such as the disc's best number, the midtempo "Livin For Me." She elected to record the album "live," and it was a wise move. The album has an immediate feel to it and the band -- consisting of trumpeter Kevin Louis, trombonist Dion Tucker, guitarist Charmel Rogers, keyboardist Burny Pelsmajer, bassist Nate Jones and drummer Jeremy Clemons - is solid, if occasionally overpowering. And her mostly self-penned material is melodic and well structured. Myoshi: The EP isn't perfect, but effectively shows a creative, out-of-the-ordinary artist growing in her craft, and gives listeners - many of whom know of her as a TV host - a tasty introduction to Myoshi Marilla, the singer. We're looking forward to hearing more. -Chris Rizik Soul Tracks, America's #1 Soul Music Website! (http://www.soultracks.com) ================ “Rock, funk, jazz, and a seductive serving of soaring soul. That's the vibe of Myoshi Marilla, and that's the marvelous merge you'll experience when you check out her brilliant debut EP. Myoshi's vocals are powerful without being overpowering, and gentle without being innocuous. Her organic production approach emphasizes musicianship and 70s-style band interplay, and the combo of her top notch cats along with her dynamic song-belting chops makes for a marvelous tandem indeed. Dig this chick. She's on the upswing, and her music will please your mind, feet, and ears.” - Rafe Gomez DJ/host, "The Groove Boutique" syndicated jazz mix show (http://www.thegrooveboutique.com) ================= /// THE CD /// For her cd debut, Myoshi has teamed up with two phenomenal musicians, Kevin Louis (trumpet) and Dion Tucker (trombone). The three of them together have created a funky, jazzy, rock infused sound sprinkled with a little latin, a little drum and bass, a little whatever feels good at the moment. "I write all the lyrics and the melodies and take it to the guys. We sit down in front of Kev's Rhodes, I sing it through, and see what they come up with. Sometimes I need a chord changed or want to change the flow of the song. They get what I'm trying to say right away. I couldn't have asked for two better musicians to collaborate with." The five song EP was recorded live. "I wanted to record in an all live environment because I want the music to have the energy and vibe of a live performance. I want it to be very organic." The cd, Myoshi: The EP, was independently released January 30, 2007. ================== /// BIO /// Myoshi Marilla is a singer. She is a songwriter. She is an actress and a tv host. She wears many hats but music was the thing that started it all off for her. Music is her first love. Growing up in a musical family, Myoshi has been in love with music for as long as she can remember. Like many African American children, she started singing in the church choir at a very young age. Ballet and gymnastics classes combined with piano lessons helped nurture her natural talent. In school, she was always active in the choir and theatre arts. Myoshi got her first professional singing job w