Mairi - aka Devanha from Aberdeen, Scotland, Started as gigging drummer from a very early age. From there she gained vast experience as a band leader, to touring Europe with a couple of independent artists, and then also concentrated on session drumming for other artist.  Her main musical influences and love stem mainly from Brit Jazz-Funk and the love of a great solid groove. With her main passion being beautiful jazzy chords and driving piano, her sound is influenced greatly from the ultimate lifetime love for her favourite band Shakatak, and also huge appreciation for other artists such as Don Grusin, Incognito, Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Chick Corea to name a few.

 

Sporting the theory that’s it’s never too late, Mairi decided to compose and create her own sound which embraces all of her favourite influences wrapped by her own stamp, which can be described as “ SMOP” ( Smooth Jazz Pop). 

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Mairi’s sound comprises the beauty of smooth jazz/ jazz fundamentals such as beautiful chords, with twist of an uplifting energetic groove that will make you want to get off your seat and dance! “ or in some cases kiss and make love.  This is 21st Century music with the legacy of Smooth Jazz and it has been described as “ fresh and uplifting” by many credible musicians in the industry. 

 

Mairi recently participated in the #DrumforNHS drumathon which involved 21 UK wide drummers organised by Errol Kennedy of the famous Imagination Band.  To complete the Drumathon, Mairi and all the participating drummers played a gruelling 12 hour shift, in the form of a relay that lasted for a whole week to raise money for NHS during the Coronavirus lockdown.   It was during this time of the early hours of the morning Mairi realised that she had not just achieved an amazing 12 hour shift, but had also overcome some health issues that she was determined to beat. From this,  Mairi decided to write her debut album. 

Starting off with singe Smooth Heart, Devanha enjoyed success of