|
Hailing from San Diego Mariea started her career with the album Sexy Paradise (2003) produced by Carl Evans Jr., musical director of the group Fattburger. She returned with the album Straight From The Harp in 2014. On September 26, 2015 she will receive a Phenomenal Women in Entrepreneurship Award from the National Council of Negro Women, the 49th annual community event in San Diego, California at which she will perform. An enhanced version of her sophomore album, Straight from the Harp: Special Edition, will be released September 25 by MAH Productions featuring two bonus tracks. The harpist introduces into her album with Fly Away. a flamboyant excursion into the great world of instrumental music. Especially the second half of the track offers a broad range of musical thought and instrumental realization penned by keyboardist Allan Phillips. Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and Darnel Bristol wrote Rock Wit'Cha for Bobby Browns album Don't Be Cruel (1988), later covered by Michael White for his album So Far Away (1994). The harp effect on both albums was created by keyboards. Inspired by this Mariea illustrates a slightly faster version now on real harp. Special Treasure finds anew the harp in the lead on the broadest level supported by orchestral strings and background singers. Mariea has chosen from Curtis Mayfield's groundbreaking album Superfly the love song Give Me Your Love for her insightful rendition. This love anthem of the 70's is authentically captured. A Single Dance features singer Chanel Fields, who breaks the previously heard instrumental textures in an R&B way. The mellow Spend Sometime (With You) soothes the gentle souls with lovely sound. Keyboardist Rod Temperton composed the legendary Boogie Nights for the band Heatwave, he soon left for a greater career as song writer. The introduction of the song is a challenge for every keyboardist. Mariea nevertheless makes the song to her own. The interlude Journey gives Mariea opportunity to develop on harp sonic dream formations. Barry White's classic I'm Gonna Love You (Just A Little More Baby) gets a fine reborn on harp. Waiting in Vain was written by reggae musician Bob Marley for his 1977 album Exodus. In this song Mariea can fully develop. A true sound experience. British band The Human League had a huge success with the song Human, which Mariea burns off with strings, vocals and every heart beat. The interlude Straight From The Harp is performed with Asian-style flair. That a duet between violin and harp can be beyond classic is shown up on Walk The Walk by Mariea and violinist Karen Briggs, both members of the all-star ladies Jazz In Pink. The harp has finally arrived in smooth jazz. A merit of Mariea Antoinette, a true virtuoso of this instrument.
Biography
Album Information
|
The
harp has a unique position in the smooth jazz. Beside
Lori Andrews, Deborah Henson-Conant or Mariea Antoinette are only a few
artists playing this instrument.
