Maja Rios
Vocalist, Lyricist

Maja Rios, whose early influences included Motown greats Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and others, and later included jazz greats Bille Holiday, Sarah Vaughen, Carmen McCrae, Nancy Wilson, performs a vast repetorie of tunes made famous by singers and diverse as Anita Baker, Astrud Gilberto, Al Green, Milton Nascimento and many others.

Maja also performs original tunes and original lyrics to famous jazz composers including Joe Henderson, Stanley Turrentine and many others.

Maja was a solo vocalist during the 1980’s with the late great Chicago jazz guitarist “Be-Bop” Samuel Thomas and has frequently appeared with renown guitarists Calvin Newborn, Bobby Broom, Melvin Sparks among others.

She can be heard on the critically acclaimed album with “Be-Bop” Sam “ Space Ship Love”, “Out at Last” (Tee-Ni-Chee, 1988) and with Calvin Newborn, Dual Frequency “Out to Play” (2000, M. Rios) both independent Chicago releases.

"Rios vocals and words are stylish and appealingly direct"
Lloyd Sachs-Chicago Sun-Times

"Maja is a powerful and sensitive singer, heavily influenced by Brazilian sounds. Her version of Girl from Ipanema is the best in the city."
Rick Kogan-Chicago Tribune

"Vocalist Maja Rios has complemented the music of some of our greatest jazzmen with her original and imaginative lyrics..."
Larry Smith-WBEZ Radio

"Her voice is so clear her lyrics can be understood and her sound is distinctive. Once you hear her you will know her..."
Charles Earland, Organist

Maja is available for booking as a solo vocalist or with her own duo or trio.