San Francisco jazz vocalist Denine Monet became enraptured with music at an early age when she heard the sounds of Dave Brubeck, Erroll Garner, Stan Kenton, and Lionel Hampton coming from her parents' stereo, which resulted in Monet taking classical piano lessons up until the age of 12. By her twenties, Monet was penning her own song lyrics, and after catching both Shirley Horn and Carmen McRae perform at the North Sea Festival, was inspired to focus on singing. This lead to performances throughout the San Fran Bay Area, as a solo act and as a part-time member of the Usual Suspects and the Alan Early Quartet, in addition to recording projects with violinist Sarah Bernstein and sax player David Berson. In June of 2001, Orchard Records issued Monet's debut recording, Lady Bird. ~ Greg Prato