Monica Matthews
Monica Matthews' Debut Album titled "Windows" is now
available! This stirring debut album consists of newly arranged Orthodox Liturgical Hymns and two emotionally charged original pieces written by Matthews, as well as, a heart wrenching intimate version of "The Lord's Prayer". Windows is produced by Highly acclaimed Producer/Arranger, Trammell Starks of the Taliesin Orchestra, responsible for such Billboard chart-topping hits as Orinoco Flow- The Music Of Enya, and the upcoming release of another Billboard chart-topper, pianist,George Skaroulis. Starks offers a daring ,dynamic and rich World flavor interpretation of some of the world's most ancient and sacred music.
The album also features a performance by World Flautist, Pedro Eustache of "The Passion" soundtrack. Matthews states, " This album is my Alabaster Box. It is my way of giving back for all that I have been given in this life, I felt I should start with The One that gives the most to me, my life, my Lord".
This culturally diverse vocal talent comes to us from Atlanta, GA. The dynamic ability of this young artist is attributed to a rich upbringing by a Greek American father and first generation German mother. Matthews began her career in the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Atlanta as a young vocalist and has since graced the stage with an equally diverse musical lineup. Gospel's Dixie Hummingbirds at the Apollo Theater in New York, to rock legends, Lynyrd Skynyrd in Atlanta, GA in remembrance of 9/11 for the Volunteers for America concert, are but a few she is honored to have performed with.
Her talents also landed her a 2003 Grammy nomination for her vocal contributions on the highly acclaimed " Second Nature" (c2003 Evzone Music) album by another Atlanta artist, George Skaroulis. Monica is also known to be the voice behind many Corporate giants such as, Philips, Lufthansa Airlines, and local Atlanta radio affiliates. Her
ability, along with her Greek-American heritage, landed her an invitation to perform at the unveiling of the Olympic Mural for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, in Hastings On Hudson, New York.
Monica has also performed for many U.S. Governmental figures as well as, political figures from Greece and various clergy, including the late, Archbishop Iakovos.
When asked what her goal for the album is Matthews candidly admits, " My goal is to illuminate the soul of each listener on a personal level that surpasses the ear and goes straight to the heart. "For me personally, coming out of the pain of losing a spouse at a very young age into the triumph of re-embracing life is enough to write about and give thanks for. Without the compassion and strength of a God that is ever extending His hands to me no matter how far I try to run, I would have not made it through that time in my life. Life is about pain and joy and struggle and triumph, but it is totally possible to rest in the mind of Christ every day, in this place there aren't any ups and downs only an ebb and flow to life. It's all about perspective really. A monk once told me that if a person's eyes are black, that is all they will see. I am continuously checking the color lense with which I am viewing my world, it usually reflects how I am seeing myself. It is here we begin to know what it is to love ourselves so to in turn love our neighbors, but without knowing how loved we are by God, all of life remains fleeting, something to be grasped instead of received as the gift that it is. My favorite place on earth is in the presence of God and that means getting out of my head long enough to rest in my spirit, in my heart. It is from here I try to convey all I am through my voice. My hope is that each listener will hear something familiar to them. This album proves that language is truly insignificant when it comes to affairs of one's soul and to be still and know you are loved, transcends language, it goes deeper than that. People have told me they hear things in this album that remind them of something they cannot articulate, it conjures emotions they either never knew they had or had forgotten existed, for me as an artist, that is the greatest compliment one person could receive, as a human being, it reminds me we are all connected whether we realize it or not and that's pretty awesome. Faith and connection should be shared with others and music is a powerful way to accomplish that, our society is a direct reflection of music's influence".
Pre-Sales of this debut
classic have proven to cross all demographic lines knowing no boundaries. Sales include listeners
from all genres from Country enthusiasts to Classical, Christian, Wordl, New Age, and Pop.
The emotional conviction and strength with which Monica's vocals move have been likened to such vocal greats as Sarah Brightman, Aretha Franklin, and Celine Dion. The musical influences of Sting, Kitaro, and Enya can be heard on this moving masterpiece as well. Noted for her acapella ability, Monica's live performance brings her audience on a captivating journey of the miles between here and beyond. She offers a purity not easily found.
With genuine respect for the "responsibility" as she calls it, of her musical artistry, this young talent will undoubtedly leave our
world feeling a little closer to Heaven-