A quiet Norwich recording studio is the unlikely setting for the gathering of some of the best musicians from around the globe to play on local based vocalist Malaya Blue’s new album. Having said that it’s further proof of the recognition this lady is building. Previous release Still received Grammy consideration status in no less than 6 categories and spent over a year in the prestigious USA Roots Music Charts, an important industry barometer.
Flying in from finishing the USA leg of a world tour from San Francisco via Zurich where he now resides is founder member and bass player for the Robert Cray Band, Richard Cousins. Considered by those who know as one of the top ten bassists in the world Richard has received 6 Grammy nominations, winning twice. He also spent almost 4 years in Etta James band and has performed or recorded with Eric Clapton, BB King, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and Bettye LaVette.
Brett Lucas is landing direct from The Motor City itself, Detroit…home of Motown. And Brett has an impressive 6 Detroit Music Awards, including Outstanding Instrumentalist, Recording and Songwriter. He has been guitarist and musical director for Bettye LaVette since 2007 touring the world and appearing on US TV shows with her. This is what she has to say about Brett…
‘’It’s hard for me to give short quotes, about Brett Lucas. He and I, have been all over the world together. I met him on his, way up,and he met me, still on the way. He brought me the spirit I needed, just when I needed it MOST. He has helped me SELL,…FIVE… Count um Five., GRAMMY NOMINATED RECORDINGS! When I walk on the stage, and hear him, I feel like, IT’S ON, he’s going to help me, KICK ASS !!!!! AND I LOVE IT! I’m SO proud of him, and I feel I’m a part of his growth. I’ve been privileged to watch him every night…growing, from good, to brilliant.”
Brett also performs and records with the Queen of Detroit Blues, Thornetta Davis and Jeremy Spencer of Fleetwood Mac.
Arriving from Belfast to play Hammond Organ and keys is Johnny McCullough, the long-time band member and musical director for Sinead O’Connor. Johnny has also toured the world performing with The Waterboys, Van Morrison, Sharon Corr of The Corrs and Andrew Strong of Commitments fame.
Sam Kelly has been the UKs go to Blues drummer since the late 70’s. He was awarded the UK Drummer of the Year Award no less then 5 times and the list of people he has worked with is a who’s who of music including Gary Moore, Chaka Khan, Robert Plant, Billy Ocean, Dr John, Paul Jones, Imelda May and Robben Ford to name just a few.
Chris Rand is adding saxophone to some tracks and also brings an impressive CV having performed with Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor all of Rolling Stones fame, plus Nine Below Zero (debuting with them at Glastonbury) and toured extensively with Bad Manners.
With continued support and collaboration on the writing front from the legendary songwriter and producer Dennis Walker (5 Grammy nominations and 3 wins) there really is no limit to what Malaya could be on the verge of achieving with this new recording.
