Bio

 

             

Sunyatta is a bluesy jazz & pop duo who love entertaining!  From the Caribbean Islands throughout the US and Europe, Sharon & Shelly have enjoyed performing together since 1981. Their style is described as “hip, cool, sophisticated, playful and inspiring." Sharon Rae (vocals) and Shelly Davis (keyboards) first came together in Central Florida and have performed for  people from all over the world at festivals, clubs, resorts, private parties and cruise lines. In 2006, they moved their home base to the American west and have decided to make Colorado their permanent residence!

Sunyatta has just released Bliss, a 5 song EP of smooth jazz and soft R&B songs featuring warm and inviting vocals, silky keyboards and hypnotic rhythmic beats. Three earlier Sunyatta CDs include a diverse collection of blues, smooth jazz, new age, dance and Latin originals.  Performance venues include Universal Studios City Jazz, Downtown Disney House of Blues, Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line, Westin, Hyatt, Ritz Carlton and other major resorts and convention centers. Sunyatta works with outstanding musicians in their bands and they have performed with and opened for many renowned artists.

Sharon Rae is a singer, entertainer and songwriter. A seasoned performer, Sharon is playfully sexy and with her strong pipes, loves to engage her audiences for a truly enjoyable experience. Soulful, warm or sultry, her voice reminds us of the great singers of yesteryear like Etta James, Sarah Vaughn and Peggy Lee.  She also performs the songs of contemporary artists like Anita Baker, Diana Krall and Sade. The daughter of a big band leader, Sharon was originally influenced by big band, jazz and R&B. She grew up in Detroit, Dayton, Atlanta and finally Orlando where she studied dance, acting and music. At the age of 15, she began to perform professionally and for two decades, toured with bands singing rock/blues, jazz/funk, disco and R&B throughout the United States and Europe. It was on the road that she gained tremendous experience and became the stage savvy performer that she is today!

Shelly Davis is a jazz and blues pianist, keyboard artist, composer and singer.  Audiences adore him for his energetic stage presence and passionate piano solos.  He grew up in New York, where he studied with Jimmy Giuffre and won a Downbeat scholarship for his improvisational music. As an original member of the million selling recording act, the "Brooklyn Bridge", he recorded a gold record, 4 albums and appeared on numerous TV shows and concert engagements. (Ed Sullivan, Merv Griffin, Jonathan Winters, Mike Douglas, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden). Shelly performed for several years in Aspen, Boulder and Kansas City with his jazz and original groups, sharing the stage with artists that included Mose Alison, Roy Orbison and Bonnie Raitt. He conceived and produced the Boulder Jazz Showcase presenting jazz and poetry in the parks. In Florida, he has appeared at Walt Disney World as "Dr. Digital" (a one-man midi show) and as a jazz soloist.  He was music director at the Unity church playing for meditation as well as leading a jazz concert series.  In whatever situation you hear Shelly play, you will hear the love he has for the music and the creative energy he shares that is at the heart of the jazz tradition.  In 2006, Shelly was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.

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Sunyatta stems from the Sanskrit word meaning emptiness of a separate self. As we come closer to our true nature, we can see things as they really are. Our vision will not be clouded by false perceptions, but enlightened by true knowledge.