Monet

AWAKENING, the title of Monet’s, upcoming project due out on Purpose Records in early 2009 makes a bold revealing statement about how profoundly  life’s journey has touched her.  The thick, golden brown locs that once graced her crown – very much the signature image of her debut release ESSENCE five years ago  - are gone.  You almost don’t recognize her.  But that unmistakable voice buried deep in her chest, almost as if coming directly from her heart is ever present.   Her flute that teases and soars, bouncing in the air like a wondrously, hypnotic tribal spell – is pronounced, only finer, richer and more knowing.  This couldn't be more evident than in her latest single "VAIN," which was the SOULTRACKS.com featured track of the month in October with close to 3000 downloads.  With a scheduled digital release on December 2nd, " VAIN" is an account
 
of a reflective journey - Monet’s flute like a snake charmer, beautifully intricate which starts out with moments of calm, coaxing gently until it deepens to a throaty rasp, becoming more complex and intriguing.   If VAIN is any indication of what’s to come from AWAKENING, not only will Monet’s fans be pleasingly overwhelmed but she will surely attract a legion of new interested parties into her base.
 
Monet’s musical repertoire is diverse with influences drawn from jazz, neo-soul, latin, classical, folk, house and funk. Fundamentally, however, her sound is purely rooted in organic soul.  The influences are a glorious amalgamation of Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Sade and Hubert Laws.  Surrounded by multiple genres of music by both parents - her mother a doo-wop singer and her father a manager of jazz and Latin artists.  Monet's - musical roots run deep.   A little known fact is that she was accepted to the prestigious Cornell University at the tender age of 14 on scholarship due to her advanced musical proficiency in classical flute.  Monet also plays guitar, oboe , piccolo and piano.  One would be remiss not to mention Monet’s various film credits including acting and directing.  This is a resume full of aesthetic discovery.
 
While in between projects, leading up to the actual production of AWAKENING, Monet was quite busy at work fine tuning her craft, contributing her signature flute work, songwriting and vocals to recent projects by Angela Johnson  “That's Just The Way" , Nigerian world soul artist Siji "Fantasy"  and "Ekundayo,” and singer/songwriters  Kendra Ross "Has to Be,” and La Sonya Gunther, " How we Livin." Monet also is involved in upcoming projects by Abby Dobson "Fly," Maya Azucena, Steve Wallace and Mother's Favorite Child.  Monet also contributed to club hits by Melena Perez, "Confession,” and Tortured Soul, "Don't Hold me Down,” flute and vocals respectively.   
 
AWAKENING promises to be rich with what we expect from Monet. However some surprising alternative twists to her sound abound.  There is more orchestration in the arrangements, and the addition of violin, cello, trumpet and soprano sax on various cuts are welcome.  Her reggae influence is present on, “I’ll b Strong.” Then there’s the Monet that many are definitely familiar with in “Hold me Sweetly,” a quivering ode to desire that Monet admittedly calls baby making music.  Other cuts from this effort seem to convey odes of promise, hope, inspiration and transformation like “Just B,” “Walk with Me,” and “It’s Your Life,” which is an anthem to one being a master of one’s own destiny.  DJ Spinna contributes to the haunting instrumental “Navajo Mood,” giving us the vintage Monet we know and love. Jeff Smith (Family Stand), violinist Tarrah Reynolds, keyboardist extraordinare Nick Rolfe, top flight percussionists Bashiri Johnson and Jeff  Haynes, vocalists Tricia Angus, Saundra Williams, Martha Redbone, Abby Dobson, and Maya Azucena are all contributors to Awakening.  The producers of the project include Steve Wallace, Angela Johnson, Dj Spinna, Wil Fulton , Prez, Jesse Fischer (Soul Cycle) and Ethan White (Tortured Soul).
 
 Monet is an explorer. Through her musical expression we witness her seeking the highest level of self awareness and realization which is often referred to as AWAKENING.   I n this project she freely moves through her existence fearlessly, balancing both the pain and the pleasure, the heartache and the rapture making sure we feel it too, spiritually, intellectually and physically.  Conveying this is no easy feat – and as we bear witness to Monet’s creativity as she continues to document her journey through her music. We know that we’re all the better to be an audience to such a gift.