Better Late Than Never (I Hope)? The Recap...

Scott Jacoby (Eusonia president, and my producer, on the right), friends 

and me at one of our MANY pre-Grammy parties...

Seems like I always find myself in this position with you: apologizing for my long absences and negligence in keeping you up-to-date.  In this case, there were many excuses, but let's just stick with the apology, and get down to business.  When last I wrote, I was still recovering from the holidays.  Sad to say, I am STILL recovering from the Grammys (and the post-partum and subsequent illness that followed), but I wanted to check in, nevertheless.

Let's roll back the tape, shall we?  The Grammy train started rolling early for me, as ASCAP invited me to play the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT.  It was a brief, but amazing trip. Park City, nestled in the mountains of Utah, is absolutely beautiful, and the entire ASCAP crew was incredibly welcoming to us.  I arrived with my trusty guitarist Tyrone, and brilliant tour manager Barbara  in tow, and hit the ground running as soon as we arrived.  First stop, Park City TV to do a few songs and a brief interview with Ari Hoffer (you can see the performances on YouTube).  Next, it was over to the ASCAP Music Café and Lounge for interviews, pictures, and downtime with the other performers.  Our day of performances included Birdmonster, Rosie Golan, Johnny Rzeznik, Wynonna and the always enchanting Damien Rice.  In such great company, it was tough not to be intimidated, but in usual fashion, we got up and did our thing... and we did pretty well, if I do say so myself.

In fact, we did so well that we were invited back as the closing act the next day... and arrived to find that they'd put me on the cover of the Sundance paper!  This was big news for us, but there was bigger news to watch that morning, as it was Inauguration Day (at last)! We'd been invited to an inauguration brunch that morning by the SEIU and Sarah Jones, and other than a slip-and-fall (where I not-so-gracefully busted my bum), had an incredible morning of fellowship and shared history with other Sundance Daily Insider (1/20/09).  

Afterwards, we dropped by the Gibson Guitar Suite for an interview with the Associated Press, and an performance with the house band...and a look at the official Gibson Tour bus (Alicia Keys, The Jonas Bros., and many more have performed and traveled on it).  By this time, I was ready for a nap, but it was time to see emerging artist (and new pal) Angel Taylor do her set, so we headed back to the ASCAP tent.  She definitely delivered, and was a hard act to follow, but we did, and Day 2 ended on a VERY high note.

Jamming at the Gibson Guitar Suite...

Checking out the Gibson Tour Bus...

Bonding with Angel Taylor (look out for her!)...

Wrapping up an amazing run at Sundance...

24 hours later, I was back in NYC, opening for the fantastic duo Guggenheim Grotto at the Living Room.  By this time, I was admittedly exhausted (and beginning to be a bit hoarse), but had a amazing time, and a great turnout. Stay tuned: I'll definitely be back at the Living Room in the coming months.

Finally, a moment of rest (phew!)...but not for long, since I was in full pre-Grammy swing by then. Interviews, meetings and fittings, oh my!  But in the midst of all that, I really wanted to stay true to who I am and the path I'm on, so I decided to allow myself to be interviewed about my battle with compulsive overeating for my hometown paper, the Chicago Tribune (http://tinyurl.com/c56npr).  As always, sharing some of the truth about myself and my journey was very cathartic for me, and one more step in my healing process.  Of course, it didn't hurt that on my way to the Grammys, I made a pit-stop in Chicago to finish the article, and got to spend a little time with my mom and extended family...always therapeutic!  In fact, the night I arrived, they threw me a celebratory dinner that more than made up for a holiday season spent apart...

You really can't beat the comfort of family...or friends.  I've often said that my career runs on "friend-power", and the Grammys were no exception.  Not one, but several of my friends made a challenging week not only manageable, but thoroughly enjoyable for me, and I am eternally grateful for their love and support. From my homegirl Kim (aka "Harris Hilton"), and incredible stylist Helen Barbieri, both of whom flew themselves in to support me, to my college roomie Trisha, who documented my entire Grammy week (soon to be seen on the TV Guide Channel), Shanté Gordon, who took time out from her Def Jam duties to hang with me on Grammy day, and last but never, EVER least, celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, who got up at the crack of dawn to come to my hotel room and beat my face into something fierce and gorgeous for the day.  There are no words to express how much I appreciate them, my label, management (Barbie especially) and my parents (stepmom included) for coming out to LA and celebrating this incredible (and action-packed) time with me.

The Grammy Nominees' Ceremony and Reception...

Alex Bilowitz (Eusonia VP) and I at the Grammy afterparty 

(Robin Thicke and The Time performed!  Incredible!)

My beloved tour manager, Barbara, who holds everything (including me) together...

For those of you who weren't privy to my Twittering throughout the Grammys, admittedly, it's hard to recap in detail here, but despite the fact that I didn't win (I was the underdog, after all), I can honestly say that it was one of the most phenomenal nights of my life, and certainly of my career.  I had the most amazing time, even more amazing seats,. and can't WAIT to do it again!  As for celebrity sightings, let me sum it up like this: in a 30-second time span, Herbie Hancock, Natalie Cole, Sir Paul McCartney, and Smokey Robinson all brushed past me.  That was AFTER Chris Martin, Jay-Z and BEFORE Neil Diamond and Stevie Wonder.  Believe me, you can't make that s*** up.

So...about that outfit...  First off, you should know that I loved it, felt super-sexy in it, and would wear it again in a second...but don't doubt that I also knew EXACTLY what I was doing. The lovely Helen pulled several gorgeous dresses for me, but since I consider myself "one of those kids who's doing their own thing", I wanted to make a bit more of a statement for my first trip to the big event.  After all, I am still an primarily unknown artist -- at least for the time being.  Let's be honest: if you can't get a little attention at the Grammys, you miss out on a major PR opportunity, not to mention a very good time!  

With that in mind, I enlisted longtime friend and uber-talented designer (and fashion rebel) Carmen Webber (of Project Runway and Sistahs of Harlem fame).  To put together something...special for me.  I told her I wanted the look to be a cross between Cleopatra, Josephine Baker, and Grace Jones.  I got exactly what I wanted, and much more... Who knew I'd cause such a commotion? Star, TMZ, the NY Daily News, even one of my personal favorites, "Go Fug Yourself" featured lil' ol' me in their Grammy coverage, and even if they didn't love it, I did, and got more press than I ever expected! 

So...that's the wrap, for the most part.  To tell the truth, I've been decompressing ever since...hence my belated entry.  I hope you'll forgive that, since in the coming weeks, there'll be more to come (and I'll definitely be working on my frequency).  I'm most excited to announce that my next single (and duet with Martin Luther), "You Don't Know", will be released by March 17th, and that the Josh Harris remix of my song "Chase" has made it onto the Billboard dance charts, which is very exciting for me.  Obviously, there's a lot going on, but in my downtime, here's what I'm listening to as of late: lots and lots of Doobie Brothers and 70's Santana.  Yep, I'm having one of THOSE moments, and I invite you to come along with me.  As for films, I haven;t seen anything new lately (I've got a lot of catching up to do there), but just saw this incredible Danish movie called "After the Wedding".  It's been over two weeks, and I'm still thinking about it....so it was well worth the subtitles.  And as per my usual...

I'm absolutely mad about...

1. The Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien.  C'est "joint" magnifique!

2. Central Park...any time of year.

3. A day spent in the company of good friends.

4. A deep snowfall...as long as I can enjoy it from the comfort of home!

5. The power of reinvention/reinterpretation/renewal.

I'm absolutely mad AT:

1. Chris Brown...enough said.

2. Rihanna, if the reunion rumors are true. I'm all for true love, but at what risk?

3. This RECESSION, which really tamed down Grammy week.

4. The fact that we haven't figured out how to "beam ourselves" to faraway places yet.

5. Myself, for never hitting the sheets before 3a.m....Not good.

Home for the Holidays, Pt. 2

We're barely a week into this brand new year, but I must say, I'm feeling more than a bit brand new myself, thanks to one of my best decisions as of late: to spend a little time right here at home for a change.  After a few months of what felt like non-stop travel, the last thing I felt like doing was jumping back on a plane, even to spend Christmas with my beloved Mom in Chicago (after all, I was there three times in six weeks this fall)...so she gave me a great gift this year, and agreed to come to me!  

I was so inspired by the idea of hosting my mother here in my adopted hometown that I got swept up in the spirit of the season, and extended the invitation to all my friends spending the holidays in the city...with or without family.  After all, in a city like New York, your friends often become your surrogate family, and whether it was due to work, fatigue, or our currently terrifying financial climate, many decided to stay close to home this year.

Fast forward to December 25, when I hosted a non-denominational "City Orphans" feast for about two-dozen of my friends (and their family and friends), which included parents, couples, siblings, children, roommates, former colleagues, college friends, both the VP and Marketing Guru of my label, four Oklahomans, two photographers and our own personal partridge in a pear tree, the always fabulous B. Scott (I couldn't catch him on camera, but if you don't know, you must check him out at www.lovebscott.com, Love Muffins!).

In classic Maiysha-ambitious (some might say control-freakish)-fashion, along with a streak of what can only be called Martha Stewart-like delusions of competency, I cooked, baked, roasted, and sautéed 70% of the meal, requesting that the majority of my guests bring beverages, appetizers, and (some truly delicious) desserts (though the gumbo and mac-n-cheese that arrived were more than welcome).  

I was completely overwhelmed, and cooking throughout the festivities (with the help of my trusty assistant, Justin), but admittedly, I'd do it again in a heartbeat, because I had an absolute blast feeding my masses...and from the hearty response, I think I pulled it off.  Since, if you're reading this, you likely weren't there, here's what you missed (please excuse my messy kitchen...and appearance...and the plastic-ware and paper plates. I don't have a dishwasher!):

It was truly an evening of fun, fellowship and feasting...and I'm still working off the leftovers in preparation for the Grammys, which are now only a month away (BTW, I think it's cruel to have awards season right after the holiday season)!  Thankfully, I got my first chance to burn a few calories when the mighty, mighty ?uestlove invited me to check him out at his annual end-of-the-year gig at S.O.B.'s.  It was all James Brown, all night, and the people were tearing it up!

If you're a fan of The Roots like myself, you clamber at the opportunity to see them in action, and we'll have ample opportunity this year, as they become the house band for the Jimmy Fallon Show, which will air live nightly starting this March, and promises to be a fresh, funny, and undoubtedly funky infusion into the nightly NBC lineup...homebody that I attempt to be, I'm really looking forward to it.

But I won't be hanging at home much anytime soon, since pre-Grammy season is moving into high gear.  If you're not a member of my mailing list (sign up at www.maiysha.com), you probably haven't heard much from me about being nominated for my first Grammy award for Urban/Alternative Performance, but let me just say, for the record, how tremendously shocked, humbled and thrilled I am at the honor, and how continuously grateful I am for your support in getting me here.

This week, I'll be opening for the world-reknowned acapella septet Naturally 7 at the Highline Ballroom on Tues., Jan. 13th, before heading off to Park City, UT to perform in the ASCAP Music Café at the Sundance Film Festival on the 19th.  Then, I'll return to NYC just in time to watch the Inaugural festivities (yippeeeee!!!), and to do a short acoustic set at The Living Room at 7pm on the 21st.  In between the dates, I'll be continuing my usual round of meet-and-greets, interviews, and fittings for the big event February 8th! 

Speaking of which, if you're LA-based, please check here for updates on performances I'll be doing during Grammy week, including a set at the legendary Whisky a Go Go on the Feb. 6th., R&B Live LA, and a sit-down with NPR...details to come.

So...I bet you're wondering what I did on New Year's Eve, eh?  Well, some things should remain private, but let's just say that I was in good company, and had a great time ringing in the new year (get your minds out of the gutter...or leave them there, it's your world).  I was listening to some great music though, as I revisited Roxy Music ("Love is the Drug", "Slave to Love").  Led by Bryan Ferry, they are so subtle, so sexy, and so 80's downtown NYC...love it.  I also managed to sneak in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" over the holiday, which was well-worth it, clichés or not.  Not to be clichéd myself, but it's that time again, so here goes...

I am absolutely mad about:

1. The "City Orphans'" feast...it may become an annual tradition...but next year, potluck.

2. My Super-Mom, who cleaned house, hauled groceries, wrote press releases, and still managed to fit in a mani/pedi with me.

3. Oklahomans...a truly, truly charming bunch of folks.

4. My herb-butter roasted turkey, Brie en Croute, and Moji's Eggnog Pound Cake. Yummm....

5. My stylist, Helen Barbieri, who ALWAYS comes through for me, and makes me look good.

I am absolutely mad AT:

1. Oklahoma losing the BCS Championship (sorry, Gators fans!).

2. The amount of leftovers I had, uhh...left over.  I'm madder at the amount I ate.

3. The fact that I interpreted "holiday break" as a break from the gym, too.  Not so smart.

4. Rod Blagojevich, Bernie Madoff, and most likely, Hiram Monserrat. Embarassing, scandalous and shameful.

5. Myself, when I let my fear overcome my faith.  Happy New Year!

Home for the Holidays, Pt. 1

Journeys have been made, songs sung, meetings had, and turkey eaten (amongst other goodies), but though the first holiday of this season is behind us, I'd like to give some thanks to start this entry off:

First, my deepest thanks to my family, friends (including new friends I've made here), label, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, band, stylists, street teams, etc. for the ongoing support of my career and album. I could not, and can not do it without you, and my love and appreciation are boundless. As "This Much Is True:" continues to garner attention and praise (for which I'm also thankful), it's truly a shared success, as this is a communal effort. The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an army to make an album, and I'm so grateful for mine, so thank you.

That said, I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving (or long weekend)!  I spent mine with my incredible family in Minnesota (that's our backyard at dusk pictured above), and though it was a bit cold, it was exactly the rest and recharge I needed before getting back into the groove this month. I'll tell all you about it, but since it's been a minute, let's catch up. With pleasure, I present to you the Holiday Edition, Vol. 1, with extra stuffing and second helpings:

In the past two months, I've been in Chicago three times (with more trips to come), but by far my last visit home was the most fun. From the moment I arrived, it was non-stop parties, performances and publicity. A whirlwind, but I had an absolute ball, and can't wait to go back!

If you, like me, were glued to CNN during this historic presidential election, you no doubt became very familiar with the highly outspoken, always provocative Roland Martin. Well, Roland happened to be celebrating his 40th birthday on the night of my arrival, and I was there! It was a fabulous party, filled with a who's who of Chicago society and personalities. Aside from partying with Roland, the highlight of my evening was meeting legendary DJ Herb Kent, aka "The Cool Gent", who's been spinning for over 60 years (meaning he can count three generations of my family among his listeners) and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

The next morning, I taped an acoustic performance for WGN America, which included my own version of "Winter Wonderland", and will air nationally during the 8a.m. hour on December 9th (check out www.wgnamerica.com to find out where to watch in your area), before heading over to the studios of radio stations V103 & WGCI, to introduce more DJs and execs to my music. While there, I also sat down with Live Nation, the largest producer of concerts in the world, who will hopefully be helpful in bringing me to more cities soon (as many of you have requested)!

My last day in Chicago was extra special, as I made my first college appearance at Chicago State University, followed by an intimate performance at the offices of Jet Magazine, which overlook Grant Park, site of Obama's acceptance speech. Both audiences were incredibly receptive, and it was a pleasure to perform for them, but being in Chicago, which is known for great jazz and blues, it would've been shameful if I didn't attend at least one performance in my travels there. I got my chance when we hit the Jazz Showcase and caught the incredible Dee Alexander, who not only gave me chills, but reminded me exactly why I do what I do. What an inspiration!

I wasn't even back in New York a week before I was off to Minnesota for the holiday, but it couldn't have come too soon, as I was craving the comforts of family and home cooking, and my crazy clan is always good for plenty of both. It was a short week, filled with food, films, football, and the search for the perfect wedding dress for my little sis, but it wasn't all play and no work, as I managed to fit in lunch with the Founder/CEO of Black Music America (www.blackmusicamerica.com), and a personal tour of First Avenue, the club Prince made famous in "Purple Rain" (which looks exactly as it did in the movie). I was even extended an invite to perform there, and hopefully will soon...

Of the many transitions the music industry has made in the last decade, one of the greatest losses is the independent record store (no diss to iTunes, but it's a pity). With even the major retailers slowly folding, it's a rare and beautiful thing to stumble on those surviving gems, where you can readily find well-priced rare imports and vinyl alongside albums from Indie and major labels alike. Minneapolis is home to one such gem, which has been in existence for 40 years now. I'm proud to say I've been a devotee since age three, when my dad and I would walk there hand-in-hand after nursery school. It's three-parts music emporium, one-part head shop/psychedelic boutique, stocking everything from incense (which permeates the store) and quirky cards to rare posters and apparel...and is appropriately named the Electric Fetus. As is our habit, I made a pilgrimage with my dear dad, who this time had my album in hand, as he was determined that if they didn't carry it, they should. He needn't have bothered, since to my delight, I was there on the Soul/R&B rack, right between Loose Ends and Curtis Mayfield.

Speaking of which, many people continue to ask where they can find "This Much Is True:". If you're not blessed with an Electric Fetus in your hometown, you can always find me at iTunes, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Borders.com and on the racks at Best Buy, which recently honored me with my own placecard!

After that veritable feast, what could possibly come next? Well, in addition to a healthy serving of interviews and "meet-and-greets," in December I'll be making several musical appearances with WBLS's Bob Lee in celebration of the season, as well as performing at "urban hang suite" Solomon's Porch in Bklyn. (where Chaka recently made an appearance) on Dec. 11th at 9p.m., The Eclectic Ride (also featuring Daniel Merriweather, among others) on Dec. 16th at NYC venue Drom, and I'll be back at S.O.B.'s for Sol Village, hosted by R&B singer/songwriter Eric Roberson (along with Bilal, Gordon Chambers, and more) on Dec. 17th at 8p.m. If you're in the New York area, come check me out, and as always, check www.maiysha.com for updates.

So, now that you're undoubtedly stuffed with info, I'll just tempt you with a little dessert: if you haven't already, check out "Australia". Not being a Jackman or Kidman fan, I fully expected it to fall flat for me, but it is actually a wonderful story, beautifully told and shot...and so much more relevant than you'd ever imagine. As for music, I'm currently addicted to the "Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump" compilation I picked up from the Fetus (as I affectionately call it). If you're into Fela, Femi, or just great, earthy, sexy African grooves, you'll love it too. Aside from that...

I'm absolutely mad about:

1. My family...the whole kooky, adorable lot of them.

2. Coming back home after being with my family.

3. The free pass holiday dinners automatically grant you.

4. My new haircut. Lots more layers, and nearly four inches shorter, but it's growing on me. Thanks, Yehia (my Chicago stylist)!

5. How absence makes the heart grow fonder...

I'm absolutely mad AT:

1. Plaxico Burress...get it together, Man.

2. The Timberwolves...you could've at least won while I was home to see you!

3. The repercussions of that free pass I was granted for the holiday...and the days that followed.

4. The level of greed that would cause one to ignore that they were trampling a human being.

5. The fact that I'm still craving my dad's homemade eggnog...this is how cellulite happens, Kids.

Call Me the Tumbling Dice...

Greetings, my fellow Americans (and friends abroad)!

It's been a revelatory couple of weeks since my last blog, and I have so much to share with you (Note: this will be an very visual entry)! First and foremost, I have to pay tribute to our new Commander-in-Chief, (imagine this in Oprah's voice) BARACK OBAMA!!! Words can not express what an incredible moment in American history this is, though we will undoubtedly all try. Whomever you cast your vote for, I hope you exercised your right to vote (never underestimate the importance of that right), and hopefully, you are as thrilled with the outcome as I am.  Let's revisit a few great moments in this especially great moment in time...

I was unfortunately out of the country on Election Day (I voted by absentee ballot), which was devastating, to say the least.  Despite the unbridled joy and pride I felt watching the returns come in, and the many texts, emails and calls I received from friends and fam back at home, it was bittersweet to be witnessing it all from a hotel room thousands of miles away.  I longed for some way to feel a part of it, and thanks to the camera on my iPhone and the flatscreen TV in my hotel room, I did manage to capture a couple of timeless moments on my own...

...but in spite of my absence on Election Day '08, I'm proud to say that prior to my departure,  I did my own small part to further the cause, taking a trip up to Harlem on November 1st to perform at the "Get Out and Vote" rally for Obama and Congressman Charles Rangel.  I was in great company, thanks to a huge turnout of supporters, activists, fellow artists and voters, all eager to hear and spread the word, and I was beyond pleased and grateful to be among them (big thanks to journalist Christian Wikane for the pics!).

That was a lot... but believe it or not, that just sums up the last week...and there's plenty to report on the weeks prior.  Let's work our way back, shall we?  In spite of my very busy schedule these days, I did find time to celebrate one of my favorite holidays (since childhood), Halloween.  For those of you who don't know, it's a pretty big deal here in New York, and while I didn't go too big, I definitely made an effort. Can you guess what I was? A lot of folks had trouble, though it was pretty literal...(answer below)

Yep, I was the Devil in a Blue Dress...and in spite of the subtlety, it was a big hit (someone said I looked like I belonged on the label of a liquor bottle)!  Unfortunately, the party wasn't quite big enough for my liking. May have to reprise that one next year... 

Speaking of BIG parties, I had the supreme pleasure of performing at one the social events of the season, as the esteemed and eternally chic Warren-Tricomi salon opened their gorgeous new flagship at the Plaza Hotel with a star-studded, ultra-glamorous (and packed to the rafters) launch party.  I rocked the ballroom with my absolutely blazing band (who outdid themselves), and even incorporated a cover by one of my favorite bands into our set, "Tumbling Dice" by the Rolling Stones (complete with a musical cameo from Jagger look-alike Edward Tricomi).  It was a fantastic evening, made even more so by the blissful day of beauty given to my backup singers and I beforehand, courtesy of Warren-Tricomi (thanks to Edward, Joel, Naté, Gendry and the entire staff!).  Thankfully, photographer Jonny Rueda was in attendance and took some great pics to document the results...and the show (thanks, Jonny)!

In other (HUGE) news, I made my debut at the Apollo Theater on October 22nd, as the featured performer during their famed "Amateur Night".  It was absolutely surreal to see my name on the marquis (see below), let alone to stand on that stage (and yes, I rubbed the stump)!  It didn't actually sink in until after I'd returned home that evening.  It was an incredible experience to perform in that legendary space, for a cause as important as breast cancer awareness.  The evening was a milestone for me; one I definitely hope to repeat.

Well, that's the big wrap-up...next time I'll be reporting from the road, as I travel through the Eastern Corridor this week (check myspace.com/maiyshamusic to see if I'll be on a radio station near you), then back to my beloved Chicago on the 16-19th.  In the meantime, please, please, please check out the incredibly smart, thoughtful, and thorough feature article written on me by Christian Wikane, Contributing Editor for PopMatters.com (http://www.popmatters.com/pm/feature/63557/a-study-in-contrasts-an-interview-with-maiysha/print/). If you still consider me a bit of an enigma, it should answer a lot questions for you...and will likely inspire a few new ones.

Obviously, as I've been traveling, I've been listening to a lot of great music, but if you haven't already, I highly advise checking out Robin Thicke's first album (at the time, he was simply known as "Thicke"), "A Beautiful World" -- a favorite of mine for years now, and still my favorite of his albums, despite his later successes.  It's truly eclectic, and genius.  As I write this, I'm watching "The Red Balloon", a classic I remember from childhood, and still one of the most beautiful, poignant, simple, and visually arresting movies I've ever seen, despite the fact that it's barely over a half hour long.  Watching it now, I'm pretty sure it was the first glimpse I had of Paris, and likely the source of my abiding fascination and love for the city.  A few other tibdits...

I am absolutely mad about:

1. AMERICA!!! We did good...now let's keep up the momentum, optimism, and support!

2. Dimples (long story, short and sweet answer...sigh).

3. The Derek Trucks Band (old, amazing and abiding band, new discovery for me).

4. Coming home...no matter how brief the trip.

5. The new songs that are running through my mind, waiting to be put down on paper.

I am absolutely mad AT:

1. Sore losers...get over it, and get on board!

2. The lack of hours in the day, and dollars at my disposal.

3. All the junk food I've been eating (actually, I'm just mad at myself for that).

4. The energy crisis...and the financial crisis...I just hate a crisis.

5. Trying to hold on after the good has gone...and burning the bridge that remained.

Miles To Go Before I Sleep...

Since my last entry, I've been on a slightly surreal (and way too speedy) trip to my childhood home and back again, and in less than 48 hours, will jump a plane in the other direction for my first trip to Germany, so it's a much-needed moment of grounding that I'm taking now, as I catch you (and myself) up on what's been going on...

What can I say about Chicago, other than...INCREDIBLE! It never ceases to amaze me how gorgeous my hometown is... every time I go back, I have to question why I ever left (and then I return to New York and remember why -- apparently dirt, noise, overcrowding and aggression just suit my constitution better). From the architecture, to the food, to the glorious Lake Michigan, to that legendary Midwestern hospitality, I fall in love all over again each time, and this time was no different. I performed at the absolutely gorgeous South Shore Cultural Center, to a full house of Chicagoans (as well as folks who made the trip from Michigan and Indiana -- thank you!). At the risk of gushing, it was absolutely thrilling! I made so many new friends -- and hopefully fans -- and got to reconnect with some very old ones (like Michelle, my best friend from junior high, and very close family friend, Brandon McCray, below), which made the evening incredibly special, and a bonafide success (big thanks to Lissa Woodson for putting it all together, and inviting me to perform). In fact, it was such a success that it looks like I'll be back in November to do more, most importantly, a showcase for one of my all-time favorite radio stations, V-103 (details to follow).



Upon my return, it was politics as usual, as I took the stage at S.O.B.'s with my band and a number of fantastic jazz and world artists in support of our man Obama. It was a fantastic night and crowd, and my band was blazing, as usual, so thanks to them, as well as Steve, Julia, and Shawn from WBLS for making it happen. Coincidentally, I performed the same night as the last debate, and managed to finish just in time to catch the action (and some fantastically fattening munchies) with my backup singer (and outstanding solo artist in her own right), Silya. Keep an eye out for her...she's apparently keeping her eye on us, as well...



Coming up, I'm making my debut at the Apollo, as the featured artist in their famed Amateur Night, which so mind-blowing it's almost unbelievable to my thinking. I honestly don't think it'll become real until I'm rubbing the wood backstage. After that, I'm going to rock the ballroom at the Plaza Hotel here in New York for the launch of the Warren-Tricomi flagship salon... and adding a Stones' cover to my set for the show...can't wait! That'll be a private event, but I've got a little something for those of you who have caught my video on VH1 Soul... soon you'll also be seeing my first commercial there. Here's your sneak preview...



In the meantime, I'm headed to Germany, back to Chi-town, and maybe even a jaunt to Anguilla in between, and with all this traveling on the horizon, I'm going to need to get the iPod up to date...I'm open to suggestions, but lately, I've been all about the new album from Raphael Saadiq, and a band out of Florida called MoFro. I love modern music that sounds comfortable and familiar, and both these artists serve of plenty of the good stuff. Other than that, here's the low-down:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. My band, who are hands down the funniest, most talented, supportive, baddest-ass group of musicians I've ever encountered...no joke.
2. Tina Fey, who has converted my horror into irrepressible humor.
3. Bill Maher, who says everything I'm too much of a lady to say.
4. My beloved Brooklyn neighborhood in the fall... Gorgeous!
5. The tiny little black strapless sequined dress I just found for a steal! Can't wait for the right gig to debut it (maybe the Plaza)!

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The economy. Enough said.
2. The fact that I'll be out of town for the final debate, election day (absentee ballot, anyone?), AND Thanksgiving... Aargh!
3. Being charged $50 or more to check a bag.
4. Naysayers.
5. Ugly campaigning. You've either got it, or you don't. No smearing necessary.

Homeward Bound

There are few things more exciting -- or intimidating -- than returning to your hometown to show how you've "made good". This Friday, I'm doing exactly that, as I head back to Chicago to perform at the historic South Shore Cultural Center.  Though performing has always been my first love, and I've frequently (and quite recently) done so before friends and family, somehow the idea of singing my own songs mere blocks from my childhood home is a bit mind-blowing, and while I am beyond excited to be back in one of my hometowns (the other being Minneapolis), I also want desperately to do the home team proud, because they've been behind me all the way.



On the subject of hometown heroes, in Chicago there is none bigger than Barack Obama, my chosen candidate for President. With little more than a month to go before we make one of the most vital decisions we'll likely make in our lifetimes, I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to perform a set at a fundraising benefit in his honor back here in NYC at acclaimed music venue S.O.B.'s this upcoming Tuesday, October 7th (exactly 4 weeks from Election Day). For those of us who are Obama supporters and have yet to contribute, $50 is not a lot when you consider the true change it could make... and it's an ample opportunity to do your part while being thoroughly entertained. I'll be performing with my full (bombastic) band, and giving it everything I've got (and then some) to help bring forth the change I hope to see in November... I hope you'll join me in doing so.

I know I'm driving a hard campaign for Obama, but political inclinations aside, the most important thing you can do in November is vote -- for whomever you think will do the best for our challenged nation. I have my opinion, and everyone else is entitled to theirs, but those opinions are entirely irrelevant if we don't make the time and effort to go to the polls on November 4th. Okay, speech over... but you catch my meaning.

So, on a lighter note, what's in my ear this week (other than CNN)? Thicke's (as in Robin Thicke's) first album. I know, I know... he's the "reigning king of soul" or whatever... I loved his last album, and will likely dig the new one as well, but I think his first was a truly eclectic masterpiece, and being a rather eclectic girl myself, I guess I've always had a soft spot for it. If you haven't already, check it out -- I doubt you'll be disappointed. Otherwise, this much is true:

I'm absolutely mad about...
1. Obama. There, I said it.
2. Blue nail polish (Turquoise through Navy, Baby).
3. My friend Fred, who just departed for an adventure in India, and the fantastic dress he painted for me.
4. Fall, and being able to wear my favorite boots again.
5. My new surround sound... I was way late on getting it, but am an immediate convert.

I'm seriously mad AT...
1. The "audience reaction" graph on CNN...whatever.
2. People who say one thing and do another.
3. The inadequate number of hours in my day!
4. Anyone who considers social networking sites adequate replacements for a phone call or human contact.
5. The (blue) nails I just broke... aaaargh!

On the Grind, All the Time

Kids, it's been a crazy couple of weeks. As most of you know, we officially celebrated the release of my album and the launch of Eusonia Records with two (sold out!) shows at Joe's Pub here in NYC, followed by an absolutely packed after-party at the uber-chic nightspot France Origine.  As far as I'm concerned, there's no better experience in the world than performing, no more energetic exchange than that between artist and audience, and (outside of my family) no greater love in my life than what I do.  Suffice to say, it was quite a night, thanks to all who attended and partied (hard) with us... but it's probably better to show you rather than to tell you:

this is my happy place...


...and this is my zone.


You're looking at 2/3 of the most blazing band EVER -- love them!


Eusonia Records is officially launched... Thanks to our fearless leader, Scott (in the middle).


...and ready for mass consumption!


Eusonia VP Alex Bilowitz and me, having waaaaaay too much fun at the after-party...


Property of Eusonia Records (I really like that pose, huh?)


My Alpha and Omega... otherwise known as Mom and Dad.


Ain't no party like a Eusonia party...aww, you know the rest.

You can see the rest of the pics in my MySpace gallery (myspace.com/maiyshamusic). Not quite the same as being there, but definitely a taste. Long story short, the evening was a huge success, and big fun. We're so excited to have finally gotten this thing off the ground. and definitely set the stage (no pun intended) for what is promising to be an exciting fall...

Since then, it's been meetings, rehearsals, planning, and parties...in fact, I just played one for the opening night of the Visionfest Film Festival at the Tribeca Film Center, which was big fun. Next up will be a trip back to one of my hometowns, Chicago, followed by a benefit at S.O.B.'s for the man of the hour (and hopefully next eight years), Barack Obama, and then I'll be rocking the ballroom of the Plaza Hotel for the opening of Warren-Tricomi's new flagship.

As far as music goes, this week, I've been all over Jamie Lidell -- both albums. Really genius, and I can't wait to see him live at the Highline Ballroom in October.

So, what's true for this week?

I'm absolutely mad about...

1. "Burn After Reading".  Absolutely ridiculous, and completely hilarious.

2. My friend Matthew, who's also absolutely ridiculous and completely hilarious.

3. Spontaneous combustion.

4. The old French short "The Red Balloon", which I just recorded off cable.

5. Sunday brunch after a raging Saturday night.

I'm seriously mad at... 

1. Myself, for seriously believing that I can live on no sleep!
2. John Lithgow's character in "Footloose" (which I'm watching now).

3. Anyone who can't take "no" for an answer.

4. Anyone who keeps me waiting up.

5. This:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQ95bf4zU0