Album Notes

Misz

Producer. Composer. Arranger. Drummer. Keyboardist. Vocalist.
Misz has had a love for music most of her life.
Her music career began at the age of five.
The first of formal music lessons were on the piano. "Piano Saturday's" is how
Misz refers to those days, which began at the age of nine.
Piano lessons didn't last long. Misz didn't like spending Saturday
mornings taking piano lessons over watching cartoons and playing with friends.
Misz is a keyboardist and self-taught drummer.
Misz was influenced by many artists and musical styles. From Motown ,70's Rock, Soul, Funk and 70's and early 80's Contemporary Jazz and Jazz Fusion.
These are the musical elements you will hear in the compositions and arrangements from Misz.
This great music was and still is a great influence in the musical comprehension,composition and arrangements by Misz. She enjoys blending musical styles,
therefore creating unique, musical sounds.
Misz loves the great jazz artists of the past. "They are the originators and innovators of this great American music. You must know your past in order to understand you present and hope to make an impact on tomorrow. I hope that I can do that with my music. I hope it will be around for a long time and have a great impact
on the listener."
The first jazz influence for Misz was hearing Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. "Wow!" When she heard 'Chameleon', she knew she wanted to play music like that. A few years later, her brother introduced her to the sounds of Bob James.
After hearing Bob James, that was it. There was no turning back. "The way that he was able to combine jazz and classical music was unbelievable. I fell in love with that sound. Contemporary Jazz has always connected with my heart. My emotions."
Misz has many musical influences. Although her biggest influences for wanting to play the piano are greatly because of artists such as Herbie Hancock, Bob James, Joe Sample, Patrice Rushen and George Duke. Drum influences are Harvey Mason, Billy Cobham, Steve Gadd, Stix Hooper, David Garibaldi, Buddy Miles and Lenny White. Producing influences are Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Maurice White, Wayne Henderson and Creed Taylor.
Misz is a former member of the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in English and Speech Communications from the University of Washington. Misz is a former schoolmate of Kenny G.
A few nicknames that her band members, family and friends call her are "Baby Q", "The Missy Elliott of Smooth Jazz", "Lavender" and other names.
Misz has produced music featuring some of her favorite artists, such as Patrice Rushen and Ernie Watts. According to Misz, "A dream come true. I'd like to produce an entire cd with all of my musical influences. It would be groovin' from start to finish. No doubt."