Benjy Mystro Myaz and music production; and his career as a musician is credited to his vast knowledge about music. This musician has command of at least seven instruments, with his first love being the Bass. This he owes to diligent studies and an innate love for music. According to Benjy, “When a musician is formally trained, it allows him, or her, to appreciate the origin and growth of music. It gives you a deeper perspective about your craft.”
As a producer, he got his first big break in 1986 when he arranged and produced a remake of Brooke Benton's classic, “So Many Ways”, performed by Dennis Malcolm, which went to the number one position in Jamaica, England, and New York. With hopes of touring as a bassist, Benjy became a member of the Rhythm Kings Band, touring with several artistes including: Jimmy Cliff, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Shinehead, and J.C. Lodge. His other credits include: appearing as a bassist for the chorale, Sounds of Blackness, and also Jimmy Cliff.
During this period, he realized his other dreams: singing, writing, and arranging music. The nineties afforded him the opportunity to produce, write, arrange, and collaborate with top Reggae/Latin/Pop/Gospel/Folk/Urban recording artistes such as: Jimmy Cliff, Toots & The Maytals, Third World, Stephen Segal, Khaled, Garnet Silk, Ken Boothe, Joanna-Marie, Pam Hall, Bankie Banx,
The Yemisi Project, Freddie McGregor, Michael St. George and Jazz Pianist, Master Musician, Onajae Allan Gumbs.
Myaz has written and co-produced several projects with ace producer, Bobby Digital, including tracks on Sizzla’s album, “The Real Thing” and Capleton’s “Reign of Fire”, among others. Other projects includes projects for Fyah Wyah, Hal Anthony, Mr Pinnacle to name a few,
As a solo act, he performed alongside international artistes: Jeffrey Osbourne, James Ingram, Gladys Knight, Angie Stone, Kevon Edmonds, Bankie Banx, and Peabo Bryson at the Buzz Production’s
“To Mom With Love” concert series held in Jamaica. He performed at “World Food Day” (November 2000) at James Bond Beach, St Mary; “Reggae Sumfest” (Jamaica’s premier music festival);
and the “Jamaica Jazz Festival”. In 2010, Benjy delivered memorable performances at the annual “Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival” – both in Kingston and at the Greenfield Stadium in Trelawny.
Benjy says one highlight of his career, was performing his first single, a cover of“Love You Higher” at the Prime Minister's Ball in 2000, alongside international recording artiste Randy Crawford (who had originally recorded the song), to her surprise and delight. Prior to that memorable performance, having released the cover in 1995, it had been receiving massive airplay and has become a classic in the annals of Reggae music.
On the international scene, Benjy toured Japan following the launch of his album “Time Together” to promote its release. He also performed at “Midem ‘97”(France); and Anguilla's annual “Moonsplash”, held in March 2007, where he appeared as bassist and musical director for Bankie Banx, and has been
since 1997; taking a break in 2008 and 2009; and returning in 2010 for a special 20thAnniversary concert when he received a Long Service Award.
In 1999, he received a Nomination Medal & Certificate from the Grammy Committee for being a part of Toots and the Maytals Grammy-nominated album,“Ska Father”.
To date, Benjy has released four albums. His debut album, “Intimate Relationship” was released in the U.S. in 1997. “Time Together” was released in Jamaica and Japan in 1998; and the U.S. in 2000
(VP Records). His own label, My’ Werks Music, released “Long Story Short”, the third vocal album, in November 2005. Prior to completing “Long Story Short”, Benjy produced an instrumental album titled, “You’ve Got Me” ..the first of its kind ever produced in Jamaica – featuring the sound of the Bass as the lead instrument up front. “You’ve Got Me” – also on his My’ Werks Music label – was officially released, in Jamaica, in October 2009. Music lovers are going to love experiencing this side of
Benjy Myaz.
In order to accomplish the variations, he utilized his knowledge of other instruments to transform the
bass’ melodies. He states, “The Bass was always an accompanying rather than a lead instrument; and the concept was to create melodies and not make them sound repetitious or monotonous.”
This instrumental album he says, “was strongly inspired by fusion musicians like: Herbie Hancock, George Dukeand,inparticular,bassplayersStanleyClarke,MarcusMillerandJacoPastorius.” Ithasinternational appeal, but does not leave out the ‘Reggae feel’, which, Benjy says “...brings back the album to its grass roots."
My’ Werks Music/Productions is once again credited for producing the long awaited compiled EP entitled "Rootsy Rhapsody" With tracks already in rotations worldwide, the new EP captures the fusion of a wide range of sounds modulation that “Takes one from the Roots to the Rhapsody“ echoed Myaz about the highly anticipated release. He also said “It’s really a honor & great privilege to duet with the Legendary Iconic Queen Of Reggae Marcia Griffiths on this project”.
Benjy continues to record tour and perform in Jamaica and on the international scene, always creating new music and recording new sounds. According to Benjy, “I am about chasing creativity, not the competition."
Connect & Follow the Mystro on various platforms by clicking The Benjy Myaz Channel Productions House : My’ Werks Music/Production l Email: mywerks.music@gmail.com
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