Meredith Monk is a true visionary andpioneer in the power and versatility of thehuman voice. Performing and composingfor more than 40 years, Monk’s versatilityextends beyond just her vocal gymnastics;she has worked as a director, filmmaker andchoreographer, creating multi-disciplinaryworks that dwell in the spaces between music,theatre, and dance. Monk’s new albumSongs of Ascension is certainly one of hermore ‘ethereal’ projects to date. Collaboratingwith the Todd Reynolds string quartetand the M6 vocal ensemble, Monk’s liltingvocals and extended techniques transcendwhat we commonly refer to as ‘contemporary’music and ancient melodies into an album that continuously lifts one’s spirit andchallenges the ear.

Matt Bailey is a guest reviewer