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"You Go To My Head"
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When one decides to tackle the enormous task of a "standards" project, two choices usually arise. Does the artist try to maintain the style of the original or make the tune their own without tarnishing it?"Janelle Monique has stepped out into this risky terrain by doing the latter. Her debut CD You Go To My Head essentially showcases standards from different genres including pop, Latin, jazz and soul. In turn, the proof of the pudding lies in the arrangements where Monique and fellow Plan C member Oliver Miguel stay away from keeping things "safe".

Entering exhibit "A"; the rendition of "Misty" and the following song "Dust in the Wind" start things off with an up tempo fiesta atmosphere. Janelle's mellow interpretation of "Fragile" by Sting maintains his style to a degree, but adds a slight Latin twist and synths by Kibwe Thomas. By the time the Burt Bacharach-penned "Don't Make Me Over" comes on, we begin to see Monique display a more bluesy style while respectfully not trying to pipe it out like the Dionne Warwick version. "For the Love of You" updates the Isley Brothers classic with a soulful, modern and aggressive groove, while Kamil Andre's background vocals enhance Monique's voice not only on this song but throughout this release. Nothing is held back for constantly covered "Besame Mucho" which is by far the smoothest song, evoking beach side and warm weather imagery. Like most cover albums it was too hard for her to resist doing anything by Brazilian bossa nova legend Antonio Carlos Jobim as evident in "Garota de Ipanema" and "A Felicidade". Nick "Brownman" Ali makes a guest appearance on Thelonius Monk's "Round Midnight" infusing a different feel to her vocals and instrumental sounds. The constant and glue of this project, along with Monique is Miguel who, as well as co-arranging, co-produced the CD and played many solos. Guitarist Mark Pellizer also deserves an honorable mention.

If one is expecting to hear a typical jazz standard/cover album, be prepared to experience different interpretations. Based on this project it will be interesting to see what Janelle Monique will try to do next.

by R.C. - April 2008

online - thelivemusicreport.com

Exclaim

Janelle Monique - You Go to My Head

The smooth vocal presence behind Toronto dance floor Latin jazz and groove acts Plan C and Methodology (and formerly of disco funk soul freaks King Sunshine), Janelle Monique (and her pipes) deserve a chance to sail under her own steam. So why did she make her solo debut a record comprised of covers? Monique does do her jazz diva thing well, however, and this is a confident, honey-voiced solo effort in sultry Spanish, Portuguese and English tones, no less. A powerfully arranged rendition of Thelonius Monk's "'Round Midnight" earns top points here and Kansas's "Dust in the Wind" (seriously) gets a curious touch of jazz funk-lite. Several of the stronger tracks include saxophonist/composer Oliver Miguel, Monique's main collaborator on the project. Samba/Latin jazz standards - classics like Jobim's "Garota de Ipanema," "Besame Mucho" and "A Felicidade," a chestnut from the '50s Black Orpheus soundtrack - stay listenable with Monique's peppy, soulful delivery. (ZaFéMuzik)

By Jonathan Rothman
May 2008

online - exclaim.ca

eJazzNews

CD Reviews: JazzTrenzz's Clef Notes

You Go to My Head - Janelle Monique (Zafe'Musik 2008)

Complex as it may be to exhume logic from the decision to spin classics when the creative mind of this young composer lays dormant, the fact is, Janelle Monique's debut jewel-box works! Vocalist Janelle Monique's You Go to My Head penetrates the world of the "diabolically seductive" vocalists of today's jazz.

The course Ms. Monique takes in breaking bread with these standards is a fine lesson plan for any vocal ladder-climber. She takes each spin to task, injecting the Latin appeal with a soulful heart. Crisp tones, rigorous improvisation and daring non-conformist arrangements make this an adventure.

Note the work of producer Oliver Miguel who with his vocal siren, mixes and manipulates some of "today's sounds" best spins. Case in point, Sting's "Fragile" for the template of design, is recreated with respect and a fine Latin-esque burn.

The attitude of the project can best be identified by the calculated grooves of "Round Midnight" and the brass attack of Nick Ali. Although perceived as a showcase duet, for MS. Monique and Jessie Roy, the true star, with no disrespect, is the arrangement!

You Go to My Head with all its rhythmic sparkle... is iPod bound!

Posted by: editoron Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 05:22 PM
Karl Stober

online - ejazznews.com