Monika Ryan, a jazz vocalist, began singing professionally at age 15 and was managing by 16. She worked around New York City under the mentorship of Houston Person. He recommended that she apply to the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Manhattan. There she studied with Jackie Paris and Sheila Jordan, as well as Reggie Workman and Chico Hamilton. She also worked under mentorship from Arnie Lawrence and Junior Mance. Monika began singing in Charli Persip’s big band “Precipitation” at age 18. She also worked in nightclubs and concert halls throughout New York. These concerts were the catalyst for her meeting and starting working in New York City’s premier venues and clubs with greats like Al Grey, Gene Bertoncini and Larry Ham. Monika was 23 when Carnegie Hall hired her to perform in its “Neighborhood concert Series” for 2 seasons. She recorded there with Gene Bertoncini, a legendary guitarist, and Leszek Wojcik, a Carnegie Hall studio engineer. She recorded her first solo album of all original material in 2000. It was a success and she was invited to the Montreal Jazz Festival. A year later, she released her second album, “Duo”, a collection that includes original material and standards. She then toured Japan along with Jon Faddis and Satoshi Inoue as part of the Big Apple In Nonoichi Jazz Festival. She returned to Japan a year later to tour with Satoshi Inoue and Bill Pierce. Monika’s third album, “Involution”, was released in 2014. Monika’s third album, “Involution,” is an eclectic collection of songs from a range of genres. It is a meditation about the cycle of expansion/contraction in all things. Monika recorded a jazz album largely improvised with Chris White in 2016, titled “Sketches”. She then released “Fly,” which is a pop/jazz piece that takes listeners on an intelligent journey through the life of Charles Lindbergh, an aviation pioneer. Monika also recorded “Merry,” which is a holiday album, in 2016. She also recorded “Crash,” which was published in 1929. Both were recorded with David O’Rourke, the guitarist. Crash was released in 2017. Crash was released in 2017. All About Jazz says, “Monika Ryan’s Windmills, a tribute album, is something that the Bergmans should be proud.” Classical love songs sung by a great singer, supported by a top-notch band of players make this vocal jazz album, an absolute must-have for anyone who loves the genre. Monika will then follow “Windmills,” with “Now,” which is a collection original, contemporary Jazz songs that are inspired by current events. “Now” was recorded in early 2017, and will be released February 2018. www.monikaryan.com
