One person's opinion: the best album of the decade thus far!
J. Lund | SoCal, USA | 01/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I've loved every album Monday Michiru has issued, a few of them somehow manage to stand out (as if there are degrees of perfection, I suppose). MOODS is one of those gems in the perfect-plus category. Her compositions are sophisticated, yet hit the listener smoothly like one of those pop hooks you can't get out of your head (although in Monday's case, you don't ever want them to disappear). Her vocals are fluid and emotive, and typically she has a Miles Davis-like knack of utilizing musicians whom are both distinctive AND team-oriented. Genre categories (acid jazz, neo-soul) only hint at what's inside the grooves.
With each album Monday releases you think she's reached her peak as an artist. Yet on MOODS she's cleared her own bar yet again, attaining even deeper and more musically provocative levels. A continuity of vision provides focus to the eclectic approaches of each track. At times she informs funky grooves (ala such mid-1990s recordings as DELICIOUS POISON) with her more recent expansions into in relatively straight jazz (e.g., 2002's EPISODES OF LIFE). Other favored Monday genres are still in the mix, albeit not as dominant as before (e.g., the Latin-jazz feel on "A New Silence" and "Crave"). To call this an electric jazz or an acoustic jazz album seems pointless; whatever instrument best fits the tune at hand is used. For those who might be wondering, the music is live-in-the-studio, not programmed.
Several tunes are opened up for some serious improvs (sax, piano, etc.). Not the "one punch and you're out" quickie solos you often hear when jazz conforms to pop culture. Rather the soloists really get an opportunity to make a statement, flowing along via calling and responding with the rhythm section. As such, some of the tracks extend well over the five minute mark, but at any length never wear out their welcome. There is plenty of variety, from irresistably syncopated grooves to an acoustic guitar-colored ballad "No Matter What," and a jazz trio track sans vocal ("Transcend"). Later the wah-wah guitars get cranked up for the funky "Can You Sleep At Night." Whatever the track's foundation, there's never a shortage of nuance and creativity on display.
So you may wonder if she's that good, why haven't I heard of her (particularly if you reside in the USA)? As far as I know, she just hasn't been able to close the deal on a domestic contract that preserves her artistic integrity. In fact, check out her official website and you'll find she's recently resorted to issuing her albums independently (such as the brand new vocal/guitar duet album NAKED BREATH). In the meantime, MOODS is a great place to begin to get into her music, if you're not already a fan."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1