Monika Herzig

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In Your Own Sweet Voice Songlist

Arrangements by Monika Herzig. Produced by Monika Herzig with production help by Steve Davis. Recorded and mixed at Steve Davis' studio, August 2004.

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Reviews

Where to start with this lovely instrumental jazz release, all with Herzig’s yummy piano at the center? Performing six originals plus several covers, Herzig and her band bring us well-played jazz with just the right amount of improv to make it interesting, but with enough space to show off the wonderful melodies without slipping into easy listening schmaltz.

Her own “Spring Fever” has a Latin feel with the flute center stage, weaving intricate notes in and out of the melody. “And When I Die” is the Laura Nyro song with more of a rolling style than the one by Blood, Sweat and Tears. “Katy’s Melting Song” could be on a Windham Hill album, and I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s reminicent of Daryl Anger and Barbara Higbie’s “Montreux,” with its contemplative feel.

“Lullaby of the Leaves” is the most straight-ahead jazz number here, strutting around in a rather disarming but pleasing 5/4 meter. There are two Carole King songs here, both a little darker than the original. “You’ve Got a Friend” features the familiar melody on the upper end of her piano, but it’s paired with a low end walking bass part that slows it down in sections but lightens up when joined with the sax. On “It’s Too Late,” it’s the Larry Carlton-style guitar that brings the mood down, making it more intense than the original. Very nice. The disc ends with the very lovely “Memories of Petra,” written for a friend who died.

Herzig is on the music faculty of Indiana University, and it sure shows in her chops. She’s more than ably backed by Tom Clark on sax and flute, Peter Kienle on guitar, Frank Smith on bass, and Steve Davis on drums. They’re a perfect complement to the music, working well together, always in service of the music and never any hotshot moves to detract from the whole. Get this wonderful album.

2/4/2006, Jamie Anderson, Indie-Music.com

The album begins with an original composition, "Spring Fever," a rather upbeat, almost salsa tune. Tom Clark's flute playing on this one is straight out front and spectacular. Very rarely do I hear the flute in contemporary music and this was a real treat. "Katy's Melting Song" brings out the flute again, although this time in a more subdued manner, allowing Monika's piano skills to shine brightly. Monika's piano virtuosity again shows itself in "Once Upon A Summer Day," a lively go getter that also shows off the sax mastery of Tom Clark and a surprise drum solo courtesy of Steve Davis.

Song 5 brings us to the only vocals on this entire disc. Monika's daughter Melody does a short piece of Carole King's "You've Got A Friend," before the band moves into a fine arrangement of the same piece for track 6. The rearrangement of Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" was instantly recognizable but about half way through the song had been changed up enough that I forgot it was the same song, then around came full circle. "Dancing In November," mellow and flowing, contrasts nicely with "Just Something Fun," a lively number full of ivory tickling and saxophone blasts. The album ends on a solemn note with "Memories Of Petra," the final tribute, in honor of Monika's lifelong friend.

Every note from this CD flows effortlessly. Nothing is forced. I was totally awed by the fine musicianship throughout. All of the players are at the top of their game. The recording quality is absolutely stellar. The exceptionally clean mix gives every instrument its own life and allows every nuance to shine. Jazz lovers will find this a welcome addition to their collection, and those with a budding interest in jazz should find the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project a fine introduction.

1/1/2006, Thomas Garner, garageradio.com

Musicianship – 10 out of 10
Each musician that contributes to this project is phenomenal in his/her own right! The Monika Herzig Acoustic Project is top-notch musically! Tom Clark is incredible on both flute and tenor sax. His melodies and improvisations are wonderful! In similar fashion, the rhythm section of Frank Smith (bass) and Steve Davis (drums) are spot-on. Davis’ drumming skills are incredible, and are highlighted by the fact that this is an excellent recording! You can hear every rimshot, brush stroke and cymbal strike perfectly. Smith’s bass work is locked on to Davis’ drumming, and his solo work is great as well!

Left to the end are guitarist Peter Kienle and Monika Herzig herself. Kienle’s work on (You’re So Vain) and (It’s Too Late) is excellent, as he combines single and multiple notes for a fresh, jazzy take on these modern classics. Monika’s piano playing is also awesome on several different levels! She drives the tunes, and serves as the central figure in the band! Honestly, I’d love to hear a recording that features her piano playing alone! She does an incredible job! I hate to seem like I’m gushing, but I really don’t have much other choice. This recording highlights five great instrumentalists, and is an incredible display of musical magic! As an example, check out Carole King’s classic (You’ve Got A Friend)! The best instrumental rendition I’ve ever heard, bar none!

Songwriting – 10 out of 10
As a musician, I am constantly amazed at the creativity that I see when songwriters put together such incredible songs – even more so with Jazz! Those who aren’t fans feel that Jazz compositions are merely jumbles of notes with no rhyme or reason – improvisations by musicians possessed of some spirit, whether good or evil. The mantra that we fear or shy away from things that we don’t understand is never truer than when someone is trying to make sense of music that doesn’t have a beginning, end or middle to them!

Understanding that there is logic, rhyme AND reason involved in composing Jazz music is not much less comforting to people like me, who know music, but not at the Jedi level of most Jazz musicians! Monika’s tunes blow me away, and the songs that she might consider ‘knockaround’ songs are incredible to me! I would love to be involved in writing music that is as beautiful, challenging, and interesting as this! Of particular note to me are the songs (Just Something Fun) and (Spring Fever). All of her original pieces are great – these two are the standouts!

I’m impressed, and I think that Monika Herzig is an amazing composer/arranger/musician! What else is there to say?

Sound Quality/Professionalism – 10 out of 10
Excellent, and to be honest, there isn’t anything else that can be said. Each instrument sounds great, and the mix is perfect! There is no sense in being long-winded about it. This is one of the best sounding and most professional CDs I have heard all year!

Packaging – 10 out of 10
On each of Monika Herzig’s CDs, she utilizes photos to their best advantage in creating attractive packaging. This one is no different, as floral backgrounds contribute Nature’s own beauty to the effort! You also can’t go wrong with artwork from your kids! Be sure to check out Melody’s drawing of ‘Mommy’s Band’!

Of great interest to me was the information in the liner notes regarding each song. Because this is a project dedicated to women composers, Monika’s thoughts on each piece, and background information on the composer that was being honored in that particular track is vital. I had heard the names of some of the composers, but didn’t know about others. I think you will find this information interesting as well! Excellent job!

Favorite Tracks
Spring Fever
Melody Has a Friend/You’ve Got a Friend
Just Something Fun
Memories of Petra
Once Upon a Summer Day

Overall Rating – 10 out of 10
I can’t think of a jazz CD that I’ve listened to in the past that I enjoyed more than this one! I love the classic Jazz combos, and in my estimation, the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project is definitely able to hold their own against any of the greats, past or present!

Lovers of great jazz deserve to have In Your Own Sweet Voice! I love the way that Monika does her albums. She is totally unpretentious, even allowing her daughter to do the art work and sing along with the band! Honestly, I think that if Melody is able to pick anything up from Mommy, we’ll be looking at the next great Jazz prodigy. She is being brought up in an environment where music is fun, and music is a way of expressing yourself. Who knows what the future holds for her!

Get your own copy, and begin enjoying excellent Jazz music as soon as possible! The fact that these folks play music just a few hours from my home makes a road trip pretty darn tempting! Who wants to join me?

—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 7/30/05 *Listen to the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project on MWB Radio!