More five-star results from an outstanding artist...
J. Lund | SoCal, USA | 09/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to admit, I've heard all of Monday Michiru's albums, and just about every studio album she's issued to me deserves five stars. That is because she has an unerring knack for finding the right balance of musical ingredients, no matter what style she is loosely working in (e.g., acid jazz, Latin-flavored jazz, etc.). That trend boldly continues with EPISODES IN COLOR.I agree with most of what a previous reviewer wrote. However, I would say she isn't so much in transition, but rather is continuing a phase of her career that began with 1999's OPTIMISTA and carried through FOUR SEASONS. Although occasionally pop-culture elements surface in her recent music (such as a drums'n'bass rhythm pattern on one track and some scattered electric instrumentation throughout EPISODES), since OPTIMISTA Monday has opted for a live, acoustic-based Latin-flavored jazz sound. This album continues in that vein, with outstanding songs, Monday's always-remarkable vocals, and interesting solo work by the likes of Monday's spouse Alex Sipiagin (who has fresh ideas, doesn't overplay, and even takes sonic chances by using a wah-wah pedal on one track). EPISODES even has several instrumental tracks which allow the musicians to step into the foreground. Certainly my admiration for this artist may have left me biased. However, in my mind EPISODES IN COLOR defines the future of vocal jazz with as much invention and soul as that of any other singer on the scene today, even Cassandra Wilson. Highly recommended! P.S., By the way, if you miss Monday's mid-1990s eclectic, more pop-culture influenced musical approach, you might try albums by Japanese artists Bird and UA, who have forged their own artistic identities with music that to me loosely carries on in the tradition set by Monday's groundbreaking efforts (albeit Monday sings in English, while the other two sing in their native language)."
Seasoned Work from an Artist in Transition
Jetrocket | New York, NY United States | 08/11/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Monday's latest release and it is a very mature work -- really bringing the jazz central and the dance influence to the foreground. This is not to say that "Episodes" does not swing -- it does but in a more jazz-centered way. It is an album influenced by the sobering events of 9/11 as well as Monday becoming a new mother. The overall feel of the cd is acoustic and reflective with nice jazz solos and string work thrown in for good measure. In all, it's a very, very nice progression in her development as an artist. "Episodes" has Monday playing with a new level of assurety and stronger compositional skills. In many ways the album takes some big risks (placing dance beats in the background) but they all pay off handsomely. "Episodes in Color" plays well from start to finish -- my favorites being First Steps, Mysteries of Life and Heal -- outstanding musicianship on display. I even appreciate the Stevie wonder cover of Send One Your love (an unlikely but appropriate choice for the album). While a pricey import -- it will no doubt pay for itself with years of listening pleasure. I hope all enjoy."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1