Mônica's current release with her new band Hih and album of the same name is available here & now.
Mônica Vasconcelos appears with Steve Lodder, Dudley Phillips and with guests Ingrid Laubrock, Dudu Fonseca drums, Adriano Adewale percussion, Ricardo Mosca, Robert Wyatt and Alfie Benge.

Mônica Vasconcelos with her band Nóis produced 3 albums of which (3) oferenda, (2) Nóis Dois, (1) Nóis. All available through cdvine.co.uk

'...a true ensemble, its energies derived from an eloquently conversational interweaving of instrumental lines, supporting the percussiveness of her voice, which has such a light, dancing quality (and a quick, clipped articulation like a string of vocalised punctuation marks) that she blends into the music's breezy shuffle as if she were a rhythm instrument herself.' - The Guardian

This contender for CANDID's record of the year is an exhilarating, joyous album confirming Monica's status as one of Brazil's top artists. It is the stunning mix of shifting currents and moods, marrying the lyricism and passion of Brazil with funky modern jazz and contemporary rhythms that makes this CD such a standout listening experience.

'Brazilian Portuguese is such a melodious language that the mere sound of it is beguiling' said the Observer about Monica's unique voice, that has never been displayed better - her delivery of Arrastao, Ferrugem, A Olhus Nus et al set her in a class apart, together with her captivating takes in English on Bobby McFerrin's Thinkin' About Your Body, Banhos and the charming You.

Monica makes maximum use of the fabulous arrangements and backdrop provided by her musicians. 'I'm the front person, but most people in this band are writers and arrangers. When we rehearse, everybody shares their opinions' explains Monica. Production of the album was in the hands of ace keyboard man Steve Lodder and percussionist Chris Wells and there are innumerable instrumental highlights throughout. In particular the spectacular trumpet work by Shanti Paul Jayasinha (check out his down and dirty solo on Down We Go), flowing lyrical alto by Ingrid Laubrock, (The Doctor) and Ife Tolentino's priceless guitar throughout.

Zoio Azul, Morro Acima and Detalhes all complement the Brazilian rap of Xote Total and the happy abandon of Dance, Will You?

I bet you will.

"Eschewing the more usual brass and clattering hysterics of some approaches to Latin music, the charts for the three-piece front line of Paul Jayasinha (trumpet and flugel), Ingrid Laubrock (saxes) and Paul Nieman (trombone), written by keyboardist Steve Lodder and Paul himself, were gems of understatement and musicality which kept a jam packed house at North London's Vortex in rapt attention just before Christmas. Just where has Ms Laubrock been hiding ? Her sound and her elegant flowing lines proclaimed a talent of the highest class."

After hearing this it's plain to see why Brazilian singer Môncia Vasconcelos and her band Nóis have made such a stir on the circuit over the last few years. Steve Lodder and Chris Wells, both members of the band, have produced a classy album that ventures well beyond the classic sound of sambas and bossa novas, adding samples and more contemporary sounds to some of the songs.

Mostly original, the tunes and arrangements put Monica's beautiful vocals over a bed of acoustic guitars, atmospheric synths, brass and layered percussion.

The contrast between the gentle and exciting tunes make this a well-rounded, varied and satisfying album. As well as the sambas and bossas, Chris Wells has put together some rarer Brazilian grooves and, with quality solos from the likes of Steve Lodder on piano and Ingrid Laubrock on saxophones, this album should bring Nóis an even bigger audience.