(March 8, 2024) I played “Spirit,” a single from flautist and singer Monet’s 2004 breakthrough album, Essence, to prepare to write this article about the release of a remixed and extended version called “Spirit 2024” that drops 20 years after the song and album’s original release.
I’ve hardly listened to anything else. Rediscovering this album has been a treat. Monet is truly a multi-talented artist who can improvise and create on the flute and render an excellent ballad as a vocalist.
The new version of “Spirit” (remixed and extended by Donald Cleveland) provides Monet even more room to expand on her instrumental creations. The reworked version is longer by a couple of minutes than the cut on the 2004 album. Monet meets the challenge by launching into sweeping solos that allow her to showcase her ability to improvise extended periods of time.
(March 8, 2024) I played “Spirit,” a single from flautist and singer Monet’s 2004 breakthrough album, Essence, to prepare to write this article about the release of a remixed and extended version called “Spirit 2024” that drops 20 years after the song and album’s original release.
I’ve hardly listened to anything else. Rediscovering this album has been a treat. Monet is truly a multi-talented artist who can improvise and create on the flute and render an excellent ballad as a vocalist.
The new version of “Spirit” (remixed and extended by Donald Cleveland) provides Monet even more room to expand on her instrumental creations. The reworked version is longer by a couple of minutes than the cut on the 2004 album. Monet meets the challenge by launching into sweeping solos that allow her to showcase her ability to improvise extended periods of time.
Monet composed “Spirit” with the late Gil Small, so this remixed and extended version can be heard as a tribute to him. This re-release is also a way to put highlight the flute at a time when the instrument has reemerged, in part thanks to Andre 3000, as an instrument that’s a focal point in popular music. Check out Monet’s new version of “Spirit 2024” here.
By Howard Dukes
Monet - "Spirit 2024"