Issue Thirteen- May 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Sue Maskaleris is a pianist, singer, composer, lyricist, arranger, and producer of Brazilian jazz & jazz, who has performed all over the world, based in the New York City area.

What were some motivational factors that played out when you wrote the lyrics and music for your newest musical release?

“Every song I write is unique in its creation. Some began with a musical idea, some with both lyrics and music, though usually not completely through the song. Many of this current work marinated for years before completion.

The title song of my latest CD, “Love Is the Key” I found on an old writing tape from the late ’90s, then fleshed out and added lyrics. One was an instrumental, “Renewal,” written at sea many years ago and inspired by Eliane Elias. “Você Pra Mim” was also an old samba idea I found a few years later and asked someone to write Portuguese lyrics to most of it.

“Fly Away” began as an improvisation at a studio in London. I finally added lyrics around 2014, and the 2nd verse around 2018.

“March of the Refugee (Dire)” was inspired at a Brazilian show I attended in NYC, then languished in search of lyrics. I wrote English lyrics but wanted Portuguese. I asked a friend who took a whole year to complete them while translating court cases for immigrants, which became the urgent subject matter. My English chorus fits well lyrically.

“Summer” began while I was jamming in a music store, trying out keyboards. I taped my ideas and later created a bassline, harmony, and melody. “Valentine’s Day For One” was written right before the first rehearsal of the musicians, as I wanted a song that could be aired annually like my Halloween song, “Mischief Night” from “Unbreakable Heart” and “The Meaning: (Peace & Love)” from “Bring Nothing But Your Heart.” “

If you could perform for any crowd or audience in the
whole world, where would you play or sing? Why so?

“I would like to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival. They have many top acts and a communal atmosphere of enjoying the music from what I hear.”

What initiated your love for this genre? Is there a story behind
your passion for this music?

“In 6th grade, I heard “Pais Tropical” by Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66. This set my course for Brazilian music. Lani Hall’s voice had a similar timbre to mine, so I was hooked. Then at 16, I attended a summer program at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The first thing I heard there was Chick Corea’s “Light As a Feather.” That landmark album blew my mind. I loved the band, Flora Purim, the songs, the energy. In high school, I joined a fusion band and we did some of that material.”

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Would you consider yourself successful? How do you define
your inner or personal success? How do you see yourself
succeeding years from now?

“I consider myself moderately successful. I should have hired a publicist for my debut CD in 2000 which featured legends Eddie Gomez, Lenny White, Toninho Horta, Mark Murphy, and Michal Urbaniak on my jazz and Brazilian jazz songs (plus one cover.) One is my lyric to Eddie Gomez’s “Delgado.” Promotion would have given me more exposure. The follow-up, “Bring Nothing But Your Heart” is all original Brazilian jazz except one cover. I also play some violin, guitar, and bass on it. Arranging and producing my three CDs was a lot for one person, in addition to playing piano, keyboards and singing. But promotion is a crucial piece and quite expensive. It has become easier with social media. But I doubt I will produce another full-scale project like my other CDs.”

Do you intend on sharing your music with the world, and how
can the world learn more about your music?

“I have a new website, www.suemask.com which I hope people will find if they cannot spell my surname, Maskaleris. My CDs are available at suemaskaleris.bandcamp.com Bandcamp as well and can be previewed on YouTube. There are many other videos there too that I made during the lockdown of 2020, plus others from “Love Is the Key” and live videos. I am on Facebook and Instagram as Sue C. Maskaleris.”

Is there anything else you feel is important to add?

“Many of my songs have won awards. “No, But I Wish…” won the Billboard Song Contest, world category. “Scat!” placed 2nd worldwide in the Thelonious Monk Composition Competition. The instrumental “Pajamasamba” was a winner in JAZZIZ magazine’s “Keyboards on Fire!” Talent Search judged by Dave Brubeck and Bob James. Others have won many ASCAP awards.”

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