Jane Monheit Take 5

Have you ever wondered what your favorite musicians are listening to or what recordings influenced them? “Take Five” is a look at the music that inspires and excites them. It’s difficult to choose ONLY five recordings!

Jane Monheit has a stunning voice that effortlessly moves from jazz and the Great American Songbook to Broadway show tunes and film soundtracks. Jane Monheit is her new CD and she’s performing at Dazzle on November 20 & 21, 2024.

In her senior year at the Manhattan School of Music she placed second in the Thelonious Monk Competition, and by 22 worked with jazz royalty including Kenny Barron, Ron Carter, and Tommy Flanagan. Since then, she’s toured throughout the world at the finest venues. From collaborations with Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, and Christian McBride to David Benoit, Tom Harrell,  Harold Mabern Jr., and Les Brown and His Band of Renown, if you’re wondering “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Ms. Monheit has the answer.

Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Duke Ellington Songbook — This album, first and foremost, has probably influenced me more than any other piece of recorded music. It introduced me to both Ella and Duke. It taught me endless songs, how to improvise, what swinging meant. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it. I still listen to it constantly after all these years.

Ivan Lins, Cantando Historias — I honestly struggled to choose an album by Ivan, as his entire catalogue is deeply important to me. Cantando Historias is a collection of his beloved favorites, so it’s certainly one I’ve worn out over the years; it’s one my husband and I will never stop reaching for. Ivan is my favorite songwriter of all time, and the addition of his plaintive vocals and incredible musicians makes for an absolutely gorgeous live recording.

Bill Evans, Live At The Village Vanguard — Arguably one of the most important instrumental albums in my life. Bill has had a massive influence on my repertoire, especially when it comes to ballads. The deep emotional connection in his playing really affects me; I can’t listen to this album without crying. The song choices and harmonic interpretations really influenced my musical choices as a young person, and still do.

Into The Woods Original Cast Recording — Bernadette (Peters) taught me what to do with a lyric: It’s ok to let the tiny flaws tell the story right alongside the beauty. That the words come FIRST, no matter what. She’s one of my ultimate vocal heroes, and this album is why.

Take 6 (self-titled) — I really learned a ton of good vocal technique here, as the vocalists in Take 6 are some of the greatest technicians on Earth. This album is an absolute harmonic masterclass. I also really learned a lot about this style of improvisation, and how to approach it appropriately, with taste and respect. I hero-worship these guys; it’s my dream to work with them!

Discography
Jane Monheit (Club 44)
Come What May (Club 44)
The Songbook Sessions: Ella Fitzgerald (Emerald City)
David Benoit Trio featuring Jane Monheit and The All-American Boys Chorus- Believe (Concord)
David Beniot featuring Jane Monheit – 2 IN Love (Concord)
The Heart of the Matter (EmArcy)
Home (EmArcy)
The Lovers, the Dreamers and Me (Concord)
Surrender (Concord)
The Season (Epic)
Live at the Rainbow Room (N-Coded)
In the Sun (N-Coded)
Come Dream with Me (N-Coded)
Never Never Land (N-Cod

Stay connected to KUVO’s programs and our community! Sign up for the Oasis E-News today!