jazz singer, Maya Breuer

by Anne Edmonds Clanton

Maya Breuer is both jazz singer and yoga instructor. She will be at the Black Yoga Gathering in New York on September 12, 13, and 14. For details visit www.eomega.org. Locally she teaches at Providence Healing Arts, 297 Wickenden Street in Providence on Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm and on Saturdays from 10-11:30am.

Like many vocalists of the jazz genre, Maya Breuer's musical roots began in the church. Her official debut occurred in the early 1970’s, though, at Sandy’s Jazz Revival in Massachusetts. Accompanied by guitarist Bill Jiacovelli they formed a winning, musical combination that played jazz gigs throughout New England.

Breuer’s voice has been compared to jazz legends like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. But really she is one of a kind. She has performed with countless local and national jazz acts, and, before Fitzgerald’s passing, even met the icon while on a tour. Besides the attention she has received from fellow musicians, her accolades include being voted Best Jazz Vocalist by Boston Public Broadcasting’s WGBH.

Breuer began practicing yoga in the early eighties,eventually becoming a licensed instructor. In fact, in 1997she went on a musical hiatus to pursue a yoga-driven spiritual journey. She returned to jazz in 2006 and to her partnership with Bill Jiacovelli. The two have recently performed together at The CAV, RISD Museum, and Providence Black Repertory Company. She also continues to offer yoga classes and related programs, lectures,retreats and workshops.

For information on how to book Maya Breuer, contact AEC Productions at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For information related to her yoga work, visit www.kripalu.org.