• Genre :: Urban/R&B
• Listen :: Walk for Miles
• View :: Band Website | Maya Azucena's Blog | Bruce Mack's Blog
• download :: HiRes Image

With musical influences ranging from Earth Wind & Fire to Ella Fitzgerald, The Maya Azucena Band bridges the genres of soul, hip-hop, world and funk music. Through their "raw soul" sound and progressive lyrics, the band seeks to uplift communities worldwide. Best known for riveting tracks and spirited live performances, Azucena and her band recently released their sophomore album, Junkyard Jewel, to wide acclaim.

Maya Azucena (Vocalist), a Brooklyn native, sees her music as a voice of and for the people. Recently named Best Alternative Artist of the Year by Allhiphop.com and nominated by soultracks.com as Best Female Vocalist of the Year, Azucena has shared the stage with such legendary artists as Robert Flack, Lupe Fiasco and John Legend. She has toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe and won two Croatian GRAMMY® awards for her collaboration with Croation superstar Gibonni.

Ivan Katz (Drums), a Manhattan native, has been playing drums for 20 years. He holds a B.A. in Music Studies from Skidmore College and specializes in soul, hip-hop, reggae and dance beats. Katz's unique style results from immersion in the sounds and vibrations of New York City. He has shared the stage with reggae superstars including Toots Hibbert, Sugar Minott and Citizen Cope and participated in Jazz at Lincoln Center's The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad tour to Southeast Asia in 2006.

Winston Nelson (Keyboard) began his music career at the age of six as a church drummer. Under the guidance of his mother, who was a traveling organist, Nelson had the opportunity to play for various choirs and churches throughout the United States and Europe. As a teenager, Nelson taught himself to play keyboard was soon touring Japan with The New York Hallelujah Company. He has since been the main keyboardist for many artists such as The Godas Anointed Juniors, Kisha Reynolds, Danny Eason and Montel Williams among others.

Christian Ver Halen (Guitar) is originally from Chicago and has been on the New York music scene for over six years as a guitarist, songwriter and producer. He has performed at all of the major venues in the city and has toured in the U.S. and Europe. As a leader of the group "The Rooftop," Ver Halen released the critically acclaimed album A Live Shot in 2006. 100% of the album's sales are donated to Music Rising, a non-profit organization specifically aimed at assisting musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.