Michael Jackson keyboardist finds missing recordings lost for over 30 years. —Mystery musician’s CD storming up charts after three decade delay.

New York – Jasun Martz, a producer and musician who has recorded for Michael Jackson, toured with Frank Zappa and helped arrange Starship's classic hit "We Built This City," recently found a small suitcase in the corner of his attic. Inside was a small canvas painting and unmarked audio tape—an unreleased Zappa outtake he wondered.

The tape, missing for 30 years, turned out to be the only known recording by Los Angeles singer, songwriter, pianist Sue Reed. In the late 70s, Ms. Reed was pioneering the sound that is now made popular by Tori Amos, Bjork, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Suzanne Vega, Aimee Mann and Sarah McLachlan. Martz, who produced the 15-song album in 1978, said it was never released. "I put the tape away and forgot all about it." He has not seen Ms. Reed since.

After listening to the tape for the first time in three decades, Mr. Martz was astonished that the songs sounded so contemporary. "Sue Reed's songs are drenched with beauty but within an instant, the mood darkens, and she sings with emotional despair," he explained. "The style she was originating back then sounds like what Tori Amos and other popular female singers are releasing now. It's unfortunate no one ever heard Sue Reed’s music." In fact, Martz thought it was such a shame, he decided to oversee the Sue Reed CD release–-30 years after it was recorded.
Martz, who played synthesizers on one of Michael Jackson's biggest hits, "Black or White," also performs keyboards on the Sue Reed CD. Grammy-winner producer Bill Bottrell, who went on to produce Sheryl Crow and Shelby Lynne, recorded it.

The painting found in the suitcase is a stark, disturbing self-portrait painted by Ms. Reed. Martz decided to use the painting for the CD cover art since it reflects the dark, introspective nature of her songs.

"Sue's music is hauntingly beautiful. She is one of the most talented musicians and composers I have ever heard. It's fantastic that her music has finally been released after all these years," Martz exclaimed.

It is safe to say, no one has ever heard the music of Sue Reed. But thanks to Martz's discovery, that is about to change. "Whose hat covers that sundial?" by Sue Reed (Under The Asphalt) was produced by Jasun Martz and is available at Amazon.com. More information at SueReed.info and MySpace.com/SueReedJasunMartz