Monet is a Brooklyn-born poet and lyricist who, in 2019, began collaborating with Eryn Allen Kane and others on their various music-related projects. She has recently released her own first full-length album, when the poems do what they do, a collection of 13 of her self-described “surrealistic blues” poems set to spare jazz accompaniment. The record is simply exquisite: Her verse is nuanced, deep, loving and provocative, and her gifted ensemble supports her poetry ever so deftly and gently, like a soft but sturdy feather bed. Perhaps even more notably, Monet’s voice is warm, comforting and utterly authentic, like a burnished, delightfully-aged Scotch.
Monet is a Brooklyn-born poet and lyricist who, in 2019, began collaborating with Eryn Allen Kane and others on their various music-related projects. She has recently released her own first full-length album, when the poems do what they do, a collection of 13 of her self-described “surrealistic blues” poems set to spare jazz accompaniment. The record is simply exquisite: Her verse is nuanced, deep, loving and provocative, and her gifted ensemble supports her poetry ever so deftly and gently, like a soft but sturdy feather bed. Perhaps even more notably, Monet’s voice is warm, comforting and utterly authentic, like a burnished, delightfully-aged Scotch.
We feature here Monet’s recent NPR Tiny Desk performance, which is easily this author’s favorite live performance of 2023, as well as a link to her new album. This is rich and satisfying artistry that takes you to a very quiet place of thought and reflection, don’t miss it.
By Robb Patryk