Mari's Mesmerizing Music

Adored by her fans and known lovingly as Mari Rosa - unless you have no heartbeat, latin jazz maven Mari Rosa will electrify you. One of my personal favorites, Beautiful Prize, reminds me a bit of that other sultry songstress, Tori Amos. Beautiful Prize is a magnetic, seductive, almost haunting lament that moves me down in the depths.

In fact, Mari's music is so compelling, I joined her mailing list, and those who know me know that I virtually never join online mailing lists.

I met Mari at Starbucks, in Summit, NJ. She was sitting at a table, just herself, her mocha and her manuscripts. Intense and pensive, she was poring over the notes on the page, analyzing them, hearing them, visualizing their movements and effects.

I was busy in my own little corner, doing my work. But I couldn't help but keep looking over at her at shorter and shorter intervals. Although I didn't know how popular she was in the NY pop-jazz scene, I could tell that she was a serious musician, that she puts in the time, the hours of grueling preparation; and that she was possessed of an immense talent. Musicians are like that; we just "know" each other, I suppose.

I was fascinated with this musician whom I did not even know yet. As I studied Mari Rosa studying her music, I could almost see the musical genius hovering around her.

I don't remember exactly what I said, but I began a conversation with her. As a composer and piano teacher myself, I know the importance of networking with other musicians. Plus, Mari has a kind of magnetic charm about her that is, quite simply, irresistible.

It's that idyllic, irresistible, magnetic charm that comes out in just about every melodic line of Mari's mermerizing music. And that's not just my opinion; Billboard seems to think so as well. Mari Rosa was the Billboard award-winning songwriter of 2005.

Who Is Mari Rosa?

A native of Boston, MA, Mari Rosa is not a typical frontwoman. The daughter of an Italian-Argentine father, and an American mother, Mari's multi-lingual upbringing complemented her love of music, and triggered a passion for storytelling and lyrical nuance.

No stranger to the rigors of the road, Mari Rosa has performed at Arturo Sandoval's Jazz Club, The Long Island Music Festival, Makor, Vassar College, Cornelia Street Cafe, CBGB's, Ryles Jazz Club, and more. She has recorded/performed/collaborated with Scott Healy(Max Weinburg Seven), Richie Morales(Spyro Gyra), Kermit Driscoll(Bill Frisell), Harvie S, Cuban legend Cachao, and Don Friedman, among others. An artist with a deep love of musical alchemy, Mari Rosa's music expresses the nearness and sincerity of American jazz and folk, with the glossy romance of Latin music. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Billie Holiday, Caetano Veloso, and Tom Jobim, Mari Rosa is a powerful artist who maintains a gentle, welcoming touch.
(source: All About Jazz)

You can check out Mari's band at her next performance, November 3 at the Zinc Bar in Manhattan. To RSVP, or for ticket information, stop by or send a shout to Mari on Facebook, or visit

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=867560176