Spirit of Expectancy

"......Lara boasts a sublime falsetto, sweet, warm, and crystalline, and it's beautifully presented on the Motown-esque "Lonely Heart" and the rich romance of "Knocking Heads." "Is It for Real" showcases his lower tones across a strong, club-flavored piece, as does "Don't Know Who to Trust," a forceful cultural number where the singer comfortably settles into the clipped style of the dancehalls....." - Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide:

Features Main Page
A Long Time Coming
Benjy Myaz: "Long Story Short"
Story and Photos by Stan Evan Smith 2.17.06


Benjy Myaz“My love for music drives my creativity. Music is not just a job; I have a very deep love for it. I've made my sacrifices for the music to be on this level, the money is secondary. I'm about chasing creativity, not the competition." --Benjy Myaz



As a jazz instrumentalist and bassist, Benjy Myaz has made his mark in Jamaican music as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. Benjy's last record was released in 2000. The question on the lips of lovers’ rock fans has been, "What has Benjy Myaz been doing since the release of his last CD, Time Together [VP Records, 2000]?"

Myaz has been in a long protracted struggle to musically survive, but his belief in his dream has allowed him to persevere. During his five-year hiatus, Myaz did not allow the grass to accumulate under his feet. His musical creativity was not stifled.

Benjy Myaz and Third World's Bunny RuggsHe did not release singles like other singers have done, and did not get caught up in the one rhythm-driven compilation phenomenon dominating the reggae market, yet still he remained quite busy musically. During this time, Myaz demonstrated his broad breath, versatility and command of music by composing, producing, writing, arranging, collaborating and singing. His efforts culminated in two CDS--his eagerly awaited and much anticipated LONG STORY SHORT, released under the aegis of JAMPRO in Jamaica in November 2005 (with future release dates planned for Florida and New York); the second, a work in progress, is an instrumental album titled, YOU’VE GOT ME, a first of its kind in Jamaica, featuring the bass as the lead instrument.

Fusion musicians like George Duke, Herbie Hancock, premier bassists Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke inspired the concept for YOU’VE GOT ME. Myaz explains, “The bass was always an accompanying rather than lead instrument and the concept was to create melodies and not make them repetitious or monotonous.” As a formally trained musician and proficient on many musical instruments, Myaz was able to utilize his knowledge of other instruments to transform the bass melodies and accomplish variations.

While juggling his musical career between the responsibilities of single parenthood, Benjy continued to further bolster his reputation and expand his musical development by working with top entertainment figures. From Urban to Reggae to Pop to Gospel and Folk, many benefited from his musical creativity including gospel singer Joan Myers, a former lead with the internationally renowned Grace Thrillers, whose debut album, Wanna B Ur, he produced. He collaborated with Canadian-based dub poet, Michael St. George, singer/guitarist Junior Jazz and Freddie McGregor, Third World, Ken Boothe, Joanna Marie, and Pam Hall. He co-produced Banx’s Chariots of Steele in 2004 with Third World lead guitarist Steven 'Cat’ Coore; played bass on Sizzla’s Da Real Thing. Myaz is the musical director for Moon Splash, Bankie Banx’s musical festival held in Anguilla annually. He has toured as a bassist with Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, DJ Shinehead and J.C. Lodge, and appeared also as bassist with Sounds of Blackness. As a solo vocalist, he toured the U.S. in 2000 with Freddie McGregor and Glen Washington. As if this wasn’t enough, Myaz kept up his hectic schedule, as a solo act, performing alongside international artists Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds and Randy Crawford at major festivals like World Food Day in 2000, Jamaica Jazz Festival, Jamaica Prime Minister’s Ball and Reggae Sumfest. His work with Toots & the Maytals earned him a nomination medal and certificate from NARAS for Toots’ 2000 Grammy-nominated album.

Whether Myaz is at work in the studio creating music, on stage performing or going about his daily business, his caring humility and warm humbleness draw people to him. His wit and sense of humor is equally matched by his profound faith in God and the deep ethical foundation bequeathed him by his parents.

Benjy Myaz signing autographs at his album release party.Born in the little town of Haddington, Hanover, Jamaica to the Reverend Egbert Myers (the pastor of Holiness Christian Church) and Mrs. Resa Myers, Benjy along with his seven siblings participated in their church choir at the urging of their parents.

Myaz musical skills continued to develop at Herbert Morrison High School where he played in the school band with drummers like Paul Kastick of Shaggy’s band. Benjy has been a musician his entire life and is proficient on at least seven musical instruments although his first love is the bass. Myaz who began singing later in his career—a step he describes as “just a transition, not a move,” found the transition from musician to singer difficult because of everyone pidgeonholed him as a bass player. Singing allowed him to be - JahWorks.org/Written by Stan Evan Smith

EVER-G Press Releases


1::3::2006
EVER-G's message is clear; Give thanks, praise Jah, and independence for all

INDEPENDENCE - EVER-G

"Forward Independence! Just as the song states, “Let Jah Music Play�. Ever-G’s latest CD “Independence�, is outstanding. Ever-G’s classic roots sound emphasized by beautiful back up singing and a tight band, makes for an addicting enjoyable listening experience. The guitar riffs and keyboard lines work great, and I love it when they dub it up! The music takes me back to the day’s by the river. Grooving to Burning Spear all night long. I would love to see them live. My favorite song on the CD is Track 6, “Almighty Jah". It is a great mix of roots and dub. Check it at the link. Ever-G’s message is clear; Give thanks, praise Jah, and independence for all."



3::13::2005

MISSION Takes You On A Ride Through Time (VA Reggae)
Mission part III is the third album from Ever-G. The album takes you on a ride through time, with all the greatest riddims like “Real Rock�, “One Step Beyond� also called “Bobby Babylon�, “Mr. Brown� and music from classic songs like “Natty sings hit Song�, “Two Sevens Clash�, “I’m still in Love with You�. All these elements plus the soulful voice of Ever-G, gives the album a sense of familiarity. This album is very upbeat feel good type of vibe. My favorite tracks are, Mission, which is the title track, Pretense, and Teach us love. Give it a Listen

www.virginiareggae.com


2::15::2005

EVER-G Returns With His Refreshing Throwback Sound (Reggae Reviews)
Mission (EVER-G Muzik, 2005)

EVER-G returns with his third album, cementing his refreshing throwback sound. As with his previous effort, this one hearkens back to the classic reggae of the early ‘70s, in part because the music from that era is liberally revisited, including “Teach Us to Love� (Culture’s “Two Seven’s Clash�), “In Love With Jah� (Alton Ellis’s “I’m Still in Love With You,� recently a hit again courtesy of Sean Paul), and “True to Myself� (the legendary Sound Dimension instrumental “Real Rock�). Overall, however, the riddims on Mission are perhaps not quite as readily recognizable as on Independence, so there’s less chance of a recycled feel. Adding to the nostalgic vibe are EVER-G’s dreamy melodies, evocative harmonies, and soulful delivery (at times reminiscent of the Wailing Souls’ Winston “Pipe� Matthews). His style here is along the lines of Glen Washington and Alpheus, who frequently adapt Studio One’s classic music. Even if the rhythms sound familiar, though, EVER-G manages to breathe fresh life into them with professional skill, a sense of fun, and a genuine sentiment, whether crooning love songs like “Goodbye� and “Every Woman� or cultural statements like “Run Babylon� and my favorite track, “Mission.� Other highlights include “Love Is Stronger Than Hate,� “Teach Us to Love,� “Pretense,� and “What’s Up With the World.�

www.Reggae-Reviews.com

2::14::2005

Ever-GMuzik.com is live!!! (Press Release)
The new site has arrived. The people at AgeOfDesign.com have hooked us up with a new site. We will be able to keep you more informed, show off more band photos, and provide a complete resource for Ever-G and the Crew featuring the Irieites.


1::20::2005

A STEP BEYOND WORLD MUSIC: EVER-G RELEASES HIS THIRD CD (Press Release)
Jamaican born EVER-G singer/songwriter will celebrate the release of his third CD with a party and signing of his CD to benefit the Peter Tosh Foundation Instruments for Youth.

January 20, 2005

(Hampton, Virginia) -- EVER-G born, Everett Streete, native of Hanover, Jamaica will release his third CD titled “MISSION� on Sunday, February 20, 2005, 7:00 p.m. at the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center in Hampton, Virginia.

EVER-G will perform with an all-star line-up of international Reggae & Jazz musicians along with the intricate harmony of his female vocal group called The Irieites.

MISSION is a 12-track CD full of moving Reggae rhythms with EVER-G’s touching and truthful lyrics. The CD will move you beyond what is known as World Music with his soulful voice fusing Blues, Rock, Funk, R&B and other genres of World Music with Reggae. EVER-G adds live horns, strong guitar and hook lines with soulful female background vocals.

As with music EVER-G believes in taking a step beyond by giving back to the community. He is closely involved with charity work and non-profit organizations in the Hampton Roads Virginia area and internationally. EVER-G, the Crew, and the Irieites collectively raised over two-thousand dollars ($2,000) plus food, toiletries and clothing for Hurricane “Ivan� victims in Jamaica. In keeping with EVER-G’s support to his home community a portion of the proceeds from his February 20th CD release celebration will benefit the Peter Tosh Foundation’s Buy-A-Child-A Guitar prog - Various

TANYA MULLINGS AWARDS

2003
- Caribbean Crucible Awards
- Comeback Artist of the Year

1996
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Female Singer
- Top Single (Make Your Move)

Caribbean Crucible Awards
- Top Single (Make Your Move)

1995
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Album (Real Personal)
- Top Female Singer

Juno Awards – Nominated
- Best Reggae Recording (Real Personal)

Caribbean Crucible Awards
- Top Reggae/Dancehall Album or CD (Real Personal)

1994
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Single (Love Thang)

Caribbean Crucible Awards
- Top Single (Love Thang)

City of Brampton Citizen’s Award
- Arts Acclaim

Juno Awards – Nominated
- Best Reggae Recording (Love Thang)

1993
Juno Awards – Nominated
- Best Reggae Recording (Love & Affection)

Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Female Singer
- Top Single (Love & Affection)

Caribbean Crucible Awards
- Rising Star
- Top Single (Love & Affection)

1992
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Album (Just the Beginning)
- Top Female Performer

1991
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Female Performer

1990
Canadian Reggae Music Awards
- Top Female Newcomer

City of Brampton Mayor’s Award
- Artistic Achievement


- www.tanyamullings.com