Cypress Key

Cypress Key is not just another creative endeavor for Mazz. After a decade of establishing himself in New York City's music underground, he returned home to the Crescent City with a mission to document his heritage and the moments that shaped him during his upbringing in the deep South. With "Monday Afternoon," he delivers on that vision by spinning a tale that is both intimate and universal. Cypress Key draws on many parts of Mazz's diverse background, albeit given shape with a reflective quality. Soundwise, his past is a varied one, from rapping in hip-hop troubadours Panda City, to playing guitar in punk/grunge noise merchants The Pests, to laying down grooves for Afrobeat imprint AlfeAde Records. Each chapter leaves a fingerprint here, too. It pulls neither too much stylistically one way nor the other, being neither a hip-hop cut nor a punk anthem nor really a world-derived, so much as a combination that feels lived-in. You can feel decades of experimentation congealing into a sound that's warm, earthy, and deeply tied to storytelling. - ZillionsMagazine

New Orleans musician Mazz has launched a new project called Cypress Key, and his first single, “Monday Afternoon,” makes an impressive introduction. After spending ten years in New York City, Mazz has returned to his roots in New Orleans, and this project feels like a heartfelt homecoming. With Cypress Key, he invites listeners to experience the music and stories of the American South, where every song reflects a deep sense of place and tradition. “Monday Afternoon” captures the essence of everyday life warmly and invitingly. The song paints a picture of a typical Monday after school, where you can almost smell the beans and rice cooking for dinner.

It feels grounded in the comforting traditions of Southern culture, transforming simple routines into a shared and relatable experience. What makes Cypress Key unique is Mazz’s talent for weaving personal stories into his music. The melody has a gentle flow that matches the relaxed pace of life in the South. Each note feels thoughtfully placed, echoing the nostalgic memories of childhood spent at home. Mazz’s vocals are sincere and soulful, guiding the listener through the song and leaving them with a sense of warmth and familiarity. “Monday Afternoon” stands out for its simplicity and honesty. It invites you in, stirs up memories, and offers comfort.

The song celebrates heritage and serves as a loving reminder of the rhythms of home, showcasing the stories that shape our lives long before we venture beyond our hometowns. Cypress Key is a personal journey rooted in the heart of New Orleans, shaped by a decade of experience in the city, and brought to life with clarity and affection. With “Monday Afternoon,” listeners are welcomed into the world of Cypress Key, a place where tradition meets reflection, and every note tells a story. This marks the beginning of a project that promises to be as heartfelt and meaningful as it is beautiful.   -   Honk magazine