While Estonians are a familiar sight at the Latvian Center’s highly praised Sunday brunches, the concert scene there goes unnoticed outside of the Latvian community. But on February 23, Toronto-born, Latvian singer Maia Kuze is going to stun Latvians and draw a much broader audience to the Center. A popular classical and contemporary diva, especially with older Latvians, Kuze has cropped her blond hair and moved on to something that would appeal to the fashionable club set of TV’s Ally McBeal, but doesn’t spell cliche.

Thirty-something Kuze will debut her inaugural English language CD with a big roomy ensemble- sound that echoes of styles that go back decades, with new-age shadings. From the piercing sustained saxophone note that begins the title song, Under the Skin’s "soft bluesy jazz"overtakes the adult contemporary genre, according to Kuze’s co-producer, Ukrainian Canadian Andrj Baziuk.

The fortyish, pony-tailed, Baziuk, at age 14, was pianist for the 70's Toronto-born mega-rockband, Steppenwolf, and organist for their classic hit "Born to be Wild" (of Easy Rider fame) Last year he had a top-ten hit on the US dance charts.

At Baziuk’s urging Kuze completely "deconstructed" the poetic Latvian lyrics she originally wanted to translate in the course of discovering her own strong voice, and created wholly original songs, with the help of playwright Larry Smith and Baziuk, who helped with the melodies and did the arrangements. A highly proficient audio-engineer as well, Baziuk ensured that the results surpass standards for radio airing.

In songs like "Whispers across the City" and "Strange World" the svelte Kuze takes a wistful sideways glance at the darker recesses of city life. Other songs talk about broken relationships and the kind of man she wants – "I want a big boy, no Peter Pan".

The ensemble includes Toronto’s Bahamian upright bass player, Etric Lyons, who has recorded with Jesse Cook and other big names -- he flies in for recordings, as does guitarist, Voya Arlica, an European superstar from Serbia. There's Toronto saxophonist John Pagnotta and Indian tabla player Chander Giri as well as a bandura player. The tabla replaces the drum, creating softer effects.

Second keyboardist, Toronto arranger and musical director Rick Maltese adds more mellow, structured balance to Baziuk’s aggressive keyboard.

The mainstream Kuze spent six years as lead singer and musical director of The Magic Alliance – whose extravaganzas got plenty of TV airing. She’s done club gigs and summer stock in Collingwood, where Baziuk’s been musical director. Kuze has training in jazz (Humber College) and classical voice with Joice Britton (The Queen's "Award of Excellence" recipient.). Call Mare Tiido at 416 761-9665 for ticket pick-up on the night of the concert. MARE TIIDO

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