Album Notes

Special update: At the time of this writing, Monique's new release entitled "Smile" is on its way to the manufacturer. Release date of August 17, 2008. You'll find it here!

Monique has been performing her whole life and has enjoyed success at every turn.

She won several awards in the national high school vocal competitions she entered and has an impressive resume for any age.

She has been a chorus member of the Kansas City Lyric Opera for two years, as well as lead vocalist in 7 other KC performing bands.

She now has 3 CD's to her credit, and "Closer to Me" is her second release.

"Closer to Me" on Markosa Records is crammed with live studio recordings by three of her current and former bands.

Reggae, R&B, and Afro-pop frame the voice of this young singer.

Her first CD, "Resolution" has more of an R&B feel with heavy studio arrangements, but regardless of the backup, this girl can wail.

Copied from Pitch Weekly February 15 - 21, 2001 Monique Danielle

When Monique Danielle recorded her first CD, Resolution, she opted a focused R&B approach that set her soulful vocals to catchy radio-ready backdrops.

Though it was an impressive debut, Resolution didn't hint at Danielle's full range - she boasts a resume that includes everything from a stint in the chorus at the Lyric Opera to a part in a small jazz band.

On her aptly named follow-up, Closer To Me, Danielle belts out an impressive upper-register chorus on the percussive "Astro Caravan" and professes her "Real Love" in a growl that's dangerously seductive when paired with a perky reggae beat.

She also displays her world-music background (she's a member of globe-trotting groups such as BCR, The Messengers and Afrique) by singing in three African languages.

Musicians from each of the aforementioned bands will accompany Danielle onstage at the CD-release party for Closer at the Grand Emporium.

Andrew Miller Monique Danielle.


Wednesday, February 21, at the Grand Emporium
From the KC Star - By Tim Finn
Monique Danielle "Resolution"
Her name may not ring a bell, but her voice might: a Kansas City native, Danielle has performed with the KC Symphony, with local bands the Messengers and Afrique and on television and radio commercials.

On "Resolution", her first solo record, she sings nearly a dozen jazz-tinged R&B/Soul ballads in a crystalline voice that will remind you of megastar vocalists like Anita Baker and Tony Braxton.

Danielle and producer/songwriter Mark Thies change the pace smoothly every now and then, particularly on "Sexy Dub", a lush and funky reggae/soul number, and "When was the Last Time", the prettiest song on the record - it's the one time Thies pulls back his production and gives his starlett's voice room to roam and soar.