SUNYATTA

Sunyatta is a jazz, blues and smooth R&B duo that has been creating music and leading bands for over 25 years. With a style described as “hip, cool, sophisticated, playful and inspiring”, Sharon Rae (vocals) and Shelly Davis (keyboards) first came together in Central Florida. They entertain people from all over the world at festivals, clubs, resorts and cruise lines. In 2006, they moved their home base to the American west.
Sunyatta has just released Bliss, a 5 song EP of smooth jazz and soft R&B songs featuring warm and inviting vocals, silky keyboards and hypnotic rhythmic beats. Three earlier Sunyatta CDs include a diverse collection of originals and jazz. Performance venues include Universal Studios City Jazz, Downtown Disney House of Blues, Regent 7 Seas Cruise Line, Westin, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton and other major resorts. Sunyatta works with outstanding musicians in their bands and they have opened for renowned artists including Houston Person and Dave Koz.
Sharon Rae is a singer, entertainer and songwriter. She sings with a soulful, warm and smoky voice. The daughter of a big band leader, Sharon was originally influenced by big band, jazz and R&B. Sharon grew up in Detroit, Dayton, Atlanta and finally Orlando where she studied dance, acting and music. At the age of 15, she began to perform professionally and for two decades, she toured with bands singing rock/blues, jazz/funk, disco and R&B throughout the United States and Europe. It was on the road that she received her true education and became the stage savvy performer that she is today. Sharon’s bluesy voice is often compared to the sound of Etta James, Sarah Vaughn and Peggy Lee. She also performs the music of contemporary artists like Anita Baker, Diana Krall and Sade. Sharon loves to have fun with her audience and can kick it up or mellow it out with her soulful melodic style.
Shelly Davis is a jazz pianist, keyboard artist, composer and singer. Audiences adore him for his energetic stage presence and passionate piano solos. He grew up in New York, where he studied with Jimmy Giuffre and won a Downbeat scholarship for his improvisational music. As an original member of the million selling recording act, the "Brooklyn Bridge", he recorded a gold record, 4 albums and appeared on numerous TV shows and concert engagements. (Ed Sullivan, Merv Griffin, Jonathan Winters, Mike Douglas, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden). Shelly performed for several years in Aspen, Boulder and Kansas City with his jazz and original groups, sharing the stage with artists that included Mose Alison, Roy Orbison and Bonnie Raitt. He conceived and produced the Boulder Jazz Showcase presenting jazz and poetry in the parks. In Florida, he has appeared at Walt Disney World as "Dr. Digital" (a one-man midi show) and as a jazz soloist. He was music director at the Unity church playing for meditation as well as leading a jazz concert series. In whatever situation you hear Shelly play, you will hear the love he has for the music and the creative energy he shares that is at the heart of the jazz tradition. In 2006, Shelly was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
Sunyatta is continuing to focus on writing and recording new material in the coming months. Live performances are planned for 2008 to support the release of Bliss. Look for them in Colorado for their upcoming spring and summer tour.