The Monika Herzig Acoustic Project showcases Herzig’s skills as composer/ arranger and jazz pianist. Recently she has received an “Individual Artist Grant” from the Indiana Arts Commission in support of the release of her CD Melody Without Words on ACME Records. Melody With Harmony, the second CD by the Monika Herzig Acoustic Project, was released in March 2003. The newest recording project focuses on arrangements of popular music by female composers, such as Carole King, Laura Nyro, and Carly Simon.
As a recipient of the 1994 Down Beat Magazine Award for her composition “Let’s Fool One” and with several Big Band Arrangements published with the University of Northern Colorado Press, Herzig has already gathered international recognition for her writing skills. Herzig has been performing as a professional jazz pianist for more than fifteen years and has completed a Doctorate in Music Education and Jazz Studies at Bloomington’s Indiana University in 1997.
Press Info
Monika Herzig Acoustic Project Bloomington, IN_ _ Melody with Harmony (ACME Records 2003)
I will admit up front that jazz musicians intimidate me! I have played different instruments through the years, but I”ve primarily played bass guitar. There are some incredible jazz bassists out there, and I may be able to imitate them, but I haven”t been very successful at duplicating their work! Jazz musicians are very accomplished people; in my estimation, they comprise the membership of the MENSA chapter for musicians! Perhaps I am blowing things a bit out of proportion; however, these feelings do color the way that I review a jazz album! How can I be critical of musical geniuses? How can my words lend anything to the success of their project? With my feelings all out in the open, I progress, though hesitantly. “Melody with Harmony “ is a collection of jazz recordings (mostly original) recorded by Monika Herzig , along with a very accomplished group of musicians from the Bloomington, IN
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Bio
In 1987, the pedagogical institute in Weingarten, Germany awarded a scholarship for a one-year exchange program at the University of Alabama to one of their students, jazz pianist Monika Herzig. Together with her partner and guitarist Peter Kienle, she arrived in the States on a one-way ticket, with one suitcase of belongings and one guitar in August 1988.
Since then she has completed her Doctorate in Music Education and a minor in Jazz Studies at Indiana University, where she is now a faculty member in Arts Administration. As a touring jazz artist, she has performed at many prestigious jazz clubs and festivals, such as the Indy Jazz Fest, Cleveland's Nighttown, Louisville's Jazz Factory, the W.C.Handy Festival, Jazz in July in Bloomington and Cincinnati, Columbus' Jazz & Rib Fest, to name just a few. Groups under her leadership have toured Germany, opened for acts such as Tower of Power, Sting, the Dixie Dregs, Yes, and more.
Recently she has received her third "Individual Artist Grant" from the Indiana Arts Commission in support of her newest CD project. Her previous release In Your Own Sweet Voice - A Tribute to Women Composers has received much praise. Thomas Garner from Garageradio.com writes, "I was totally awed by the fine musicianship throughout". As a recipient of the 1994 Down Beat Magazine Award for her composition "Let's Fool One" and with several Big Band Arrangements published with the University of Northern Colorado Press, Herzig has also gathered international recognition for her writing skills.
For current tour listings and sound samples/ videos visit www.monikaherzig.com.