Born: August 25, 1956 Primary Instrument: Piano
Mareya was raised in the vibrant border of Tijuana and San Diego. She started playing with Mexican dance bands at a young age and later studied Jazz under the direction of Mr. Daniel Jackson, one of the West Coast Jazz Legends. She studied also at the Creative Music School in Woodstock but most of her musical instruction came from the streets, the clubs and fellow musicians. She began playing Latin Jazz with the Tambu International Ensemble, moving to Vera Cruz and living later in Mexico City. Returning to the border she was active in the jazz and latin music scenes. She became the musical director and pianist for the Kokopelli Latin Jazz Ensemble.
In 2003 Turiya began working as a solo artist going first to Juneau Alaska where she performed with Afro-Cuban Percussionist Antonio Diaz and to Anchorage where she performed with Hector Diaz y su Orchesta Tropical. She moved to Madrid in 2004 and was active in the incredible music scene there. In 2005 she toured Canada working in Toronto with her band which featured some of the top Toronto Cuban artists. She also toured British Columbia and most recently was working with Adonis Puentes and Gilberto Moroeax on Vancouver Island.
She returned to Tijuana in 2008 where she was Artist in Residence at Arte Sana in Playas de Tijuana.She recently headlined at the Ensendada Jazz Festival and the Rocky Point Jazz Festival in Sonora Mexico She also headed the Binacional Jazz Descarga in Tijuana. She was in in the Yucatan from March to July of 2008 performing in Festivals and Clubs there.
Turiya Mareya is currently living and performing in Tijuana. She recently performed at the opening ceremony for the Baja Jazz Fest, she will performing again at the Puerto Penasco Jazz Festival in October and will touring Canada till spring of 2009.
Last Updated: May 20, 2009
For Latin Jazz aficionados, Turiya Mareya is the real deal. .the music is intoxicating and leaves you wanting
more. Beautiful” and unique compositions, improvisational mastery and passionate musicians. “ A delight.
Amanda Martinez Host of Café con Leche, JAZZFM91.
”Turiya Mareya has been one of the driving forces behind creative music in San Diego. She has proven to
be a dedicated composer and instrumentalist who has created a unique voice for herself. “Rob Thorsen,
Bassist
“If you want intensity, Turiya can turn it up. If you want a solid groove, she is on the money. If you want
background music, Turiya will hit you in the head and change the way you listen.” Miff Mole, Jazz 88
Sorry, no recommendations at this time.
