WONDERING An Ode to Stevie Wonder Monica Shaka

• 1 Dedication 00:07
• 2 Ms. & Mr. Little Ones 05:29
• 3 He's Misstra Know-It-All 05:40
• 4 The Secret Life Of Plants 06:18
• 5 Power Flower 04:57
• 6 All In Love Is Fair 05:54
• 7 Ordinary Pain 04:37
• 8 Visions 04:37
• 9 My Cherie Amour 03:46
• 10 You Bring Me Joy 03:21
• Total Runtime 44:46

Info for WONDERING An Ode to Stevie Wonder

An Ode to Stevie Wonder. A sensitive journey between soul and jazz. A rediscovery of Stevie Wonder.

By revisiting the genius of Stevie Wonder and his most sensitive (and often least known) titles, Monica Shaka offers an album of absolute finesse, where the subtle breath of Amina Mezaache's flute meets the aerial touch of Richard Razafindrakoto and the all-Ravelian bass of Sava Medan.

Wondering, with its original look at Stevie's work, is as much for reflection as for tasting. Edouard Rencker, Jazz Magazine

A musician, singer and composer, Monica Shaka has lived a life of travel and encounters between Rome, New York, Tokyo, London and Paris. Immersed in music from an early age, thanks in particular to her father, the immense clarinettist Tony Scott, she draws her inspiration from Billie Holiday, Rachelle Ferrell and Aretha Franklin. After her eponymous debut album (REVELATION JAZZMAG), on which she paid tribute to her father, Monica Shaka is now following in the footsteps of Stevie Wonder, an extraordinary musician and a veritable myth that has crossed time and borders. Monica Shaka, in close collaboration with the talented Madagascan pianist Richard Razafindrakoto, offers us daring and refined arrangements of nine tracks, including eight covers and a dedicated composition, based on a fine selection of often little-known Stevie Wonder songs.

Monica Shaka, vocals
Richard Razaf, piano
Amina Mezaache, flute
Sava Medan, double bass
Antoine Paganotti, drums

Monica Shaka
Music has always been part of my life. Growing up to the sounds of my fathers clarinet, piano and concerts, I can say that part of me expresses itself through song. After years of making music the focal point of my life, I realised it was meant to remain a passion and a means of expression for me. Mantras and chanting are a perfect way to combine my musical world with spirituality and give free expression to my soul through the vocal channel whilst connecting not only to my history, but also to the history of the mantras that carry thousands of years of positive vibrations.

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music” Aldous Huxley

Yoga teacher and practitioner, professional jazz singer, massage therapist and interpreter if needed….. I can honestly say that yoga has saved my life. After 25 years of practicing regularly I am in less pain now then when I was 18 years old and would have to stop to sit down because my back was causing intense pain. My double scoliosis was the reason. Many things have helped me on my path of exploration, self-discovery and alignement. Rolfing has done wonders for my body, therapies for my mind, eating consciously, taking care of limiting the chemicals I put into my body….. but yoga has brought the most global and durable effect on my well-being, physically but most importantly mentally and spiritually. The mind is a tremendously powerful tool, used to our advantage if mastered. The yoga teachings allow us to understand the functioning of this tool all the while freeing us from it - to ultimately connect to ‘Atman’ - our Higher Self and Source.

This album contains no booklet.