Senses Reviews

Timeless piano dreams and improvisations – the thinking person’s zen escape.
The Village Voice, NYC

Beautiful, spacious, spare.
Lucky Oceans, ABC Daily Planet

Atmospheric, thoughtful. Calm notes with a sharp intelligence.
Sue Roberts, BBC Radio 4

Cherishing each note she plays and the spaces between them.
Doug Spencer, ABC The Planet

Exquisite
Julia Lester, ABC Classic FM Drive

Stunning
Derek Guille,  ABC 774 3LO

Delicate, calm, contemplative – to be played while reclining on the couch daydreaming.
Mary Downes, Herald Sun

This exquisite recording is a wonderful example of the creative spirit in the music of Monique diMattina. It is enhanced by a tone, touch and sensitivity at the keyboard which can only be found in artists of high caliber. A beautiful listening experience.
Dr Tony Gould, Dean, VCA School of Music

Reviews & Press

For the second time in two weeks, audiences have farewelled a respected member of Melbourne’s jazz community. Hot on the heels of Alison Wedding’s departure for New York, Monique diMattina gave her final performance on Sunday before relocating to the same city. Paris Cat was brimming for diMattina’s farewell gig, the venue perfectly suited to her intimate performance style. For most of the evening, the singer-pianist was joined by Andy Baylor, whose subtle guitar underlined the relaxed warmth of diMattina’s songs. It’s only in recent months that diMattina has begun singing in public. So it was a pleasant surprise to hear her clear, light voice sliding easily across each melody with a sweetly seductive feel that reminded me of Norah Jones. The songs were mostly original, borrowing from early jazz and folk styles and often pinned to an unhurried, bluesy swagger. The evening’s highlight was a bracket of solo instrumentals from diMattina’s new album, Senses. The pianist began with an extended improvisation consisting almost entirely of fast flowing ripples, creating a sense of movement that was by turns soothing and dramatic. The rushing water then subsided into a pool of quiet lyricism, almost hymnal in its beauty (Species), before segueing into a gentle waltz (Zephyr) that rocked back and forth like a shadowy lullaby. diMattina then performed two more vocal numbers with Baylor: a sashaying Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? And a zinging, toe-tapping I’m Old Fashioned. As an encore, they were joined by singer Nichaud Fitzgibbon for some impromptu blues where diMattina dug into the keyboard with earthy fervour and Fitzgibbon would the song’s slow-burn grove into a marvellously rich, gospel infused finale.
Jessica Nicholas THE AGE Wednesday June 6, 2007

Monique diMattina’s piano… best exemplifies what it is that is so good about this album. There is always something happening, be it front and centre or off to the side…
Lee Howard, HERALD SUN, on Elwood Records release ‘The Braves’, Oct 2004

diMattina’s passion for the music is palpable. Serenely comfortable with her instrument and also with her collaborators, her comping was deft and interesting – both supportive of their ideas and suggestive of new directions. I found her playing entrancing, a style that draws you along…
Kerry Hempenstall, ‘Aus.Jazz App.Soc.’

Exquisite, unaccompanied solos… Hymn-like compositions…
Jessica Nicholas, THE AGE, Dec 10, 2002

Pianist Monique diMattina presented a polished repertoire of original material delivered with grace and professionalism. Monique has a strong yet gentle touch that evokes great passion. She sketches an atmosphere that quickly puts you inside the piece.
Lynette Irwin for Sounds Australian, 1997