Mayra Casales is considered to be one of the most versatile and well rounded percussionists of her generation.

Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Florida, Mayra is the second middle child of four, all of whom are musicians.

While very young, Mayra immersed herself in the Afro-Cuban musical culture of her environment. She proved her talents and passions and gained respect as a percussionist, instruments normally reserved only for male musicians.

Mayra has a firey and loving spirit which can be felt in her enthusiastic playing. In Miami, Mayra studied with Carlos "Patato" Valdez.

Before long she was performing with some of the biggest names in Latin and Cuban music such as Celia Cruz, Machito, Joe Cuba, Miguelito Valdez and Tito Puente. In 1978, Mayra moved to New York where she continued her musical journey, working with such legendary artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Ray Barretto, Angela Bofil, Walter Bishop Jr., Jon Lucien, Phyllis Hyman, Carmen Lundy, Tania Maria, David Amram, and Grady Tate. She has contributed to recordings by Regina Bell, Kiara, Miki Howard, and Lita Gallaway.

She has toured with artists such as Sophie B. Hawkins, Women of the Calabash, and Mauricio Smith. Some of Mayra's other credits include playing the score for the movie "On Broadway" written and produced by Joe Brooks.

She has done several jingles produced by H.E.A. Production Company (Bernard Drayton), as well as the music for the "Cosby Show" on NBC television.

Mayra has been touring and recording with Regina Carter for the past 8 years. She is also playing with Dave Stryker, Carmen Lundy, and Jon Lucien.

Currently, Mayra has just released her first CD "Woman On Fire"/Mujer Ardiente" on Afraisa Label . It has made it to # 19 on the world charts. Now is currently working on the music for the next Cd.

A hot new Latin Jazz CD is on the market, and every enthusiast of the Latin music genre should rush to own this fine presentation of fused Salsa, Rumba, Jazz, Ballads, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.

The exotic percussion, breezy bass, and punctuated clavé, all add up to great listening and dancing. Cuban-born, Mayra Casales is versatile as vocalist, percussionist, arranger, lyricist, and composer.

Her special guests are too numerous to list here, but include the renowned musicians, Regina Carter, Carmen Lundy, and Jon Lucien, plus brothers and nephew.

If you like cool ballads and explosive Salsa, Woman on Fire is a must for your CD collection.

Notable tracks: #2 - Is It Love - Composed by Mayra Casales and Carmen Lundy. With a sparkling Salsa entrance, these musicians take off like a night at the Copa. With trumpet, trombone, and sax, plus seven percussive instruments and piano, this second track paves the way for red hot Latin Jazz. No listener should sit still.

#4 - Pipo - Composed by Robert Rodriguez. Regina Carter joins the band on scintillating violin, infusing the music with hints of tango and rumba. Oriente Lopez takes off on flute, with the talented Robert Rodriguez on piano, Ricky Rodriguez on bass, and Mike Rodriguez on flugelhorn. Ernesto Simpson keeps rhythm on drums, and Ivan Renta brings the festivities to new heights on his soaring sax. Mayra Casales, as ever, heats up this track with her congas, timbales, and guiro. The listener is wrapped in palm trees and a piña colada.

#5 - Si Tu Me Vieras Hoy - Composed by Tadd Dameron and Carl Sigman, Spanish Lyrics by Mayra Casales. This uncluttered track switches moods, with Ms. Casales on Spanish vocals, accompanied by David Budway on piano. This piece is at once elegant, romantic, and ready for fireside. Ms. Casales sings with impassioned meaning.

#6 - Paisajes Cubano - Composed by Heriberto Costales. Again changing tempo, this Cuban infused track bursts with Salsa, with Ramon Casales on vocals, and, also again, no listener should sit still. Fused bass, bongos, and brass accompany the vocalist with seasoned sensation.

Dr. Roberta E. Zlokower February 20, 2007