Showcases not only the beauty, range, and power of Monika Ryan’s voice but also the extent of her emotional connection to the wonderful lyrics of the songs on this album.

A wonderful singer whose music will help keep the flame of jazz alive.

Ryan caresses the lyrics of each song with a measure of emotion and taste making for a vocal jazz album that's a pleasure to hear...Though there are moments of swing on this session, make no doubt about the texture of the music, this is a genuine album of light jazz that appeals to the lighter side of one's musical DNA. ...Classical love songs voiced by a superior singer and backed by a top-notch cast of players, makes this vocal jazz album, a must for those who appreciate the genre.

Both impressive and memorable. Her voice, with its slight buzz, has the unique sound one hopes for in a jazz singer...the entire project radiates with the presence of a talent with a major future.

It was a great pleasure to listen to and appreciate this beautiful work.

An elegant interpretation and a refined atmosphere that quickly capture the listener's attention. The production is polished, and the arrangements effectively complement the performance while maintaining a strong sense of overall cohesion.

I really enjoyed the song's uplifting perspective on love and the balance it strikes between independence and connection. The thoughtful lyrics, elegant jazz arrangement, and warm vocal delivery make it a memorable listen.

Like all the tracks you send us, "The Luckiest In The World" is sensitive and sweet, featuring a great vocal performance. It’s one of those songs that is a pleasure to receive, listen to, and share.

...Feels timeless while still sounding fresh and sincere. The delicate arrangement allows every lyric to breathe, and the vocal performance carries a warmth and honesty that makes the invitation at the heart of the song feel truly heartfelt. I especially enjoyed the elegant piano, the subtle rhythm section, and the intimate storytelling throughout the performance. It captures romance with grace and authenticity.

I was captivated by the sweetness of your voice, and I enjoyed the intimate jazz instrumentation, which creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere...this is an excellent piece.

...An adult approach to romance that feels both timeless and modern.



Monika Ryan offers up an inspiring concept on a record that feels emotionally honest and effortlessly relatable. The song “What Love Looks Like” encourages us to reconsider how love can coexist with confidence, independence, and self-worth. It’s a song about the joy of connection, but also celebrates the power of living a whole, modern, and beautiful life...

Good to know that one of the best jazz voices we've heard here is back with this upbeat, very classy tune ["What Love Looks Like" track 5]. I think you've turned up a notch with this one.

The song has a beautiful, timeless quality, and your vocal performance feels both intimate and sincere. The arrangement is elegant and tasteful, with the piano, bass, and drums creating the perfect setting for the story to unfold naturally.
[Track 2 "Let Love Begin]

The musicianship is outstanding across the board. The clarinet playing is fantastic, the percussion is full of energy and precision, and the vocalist clearly knows exactly what she's doing. You can hear the experience, craftsmanship, and genuine love for the music in every part of the performance.

You made wonderful atmospheres. This track is a flight—light yet incredibly intense. Your voice is simply stunning, and your delivery is top-notch.

“Give Me Time” features a captivating melody with a subtly uplifting feel, supported by a beautifully crafted and expertly performed instrumental arrangement that immediately draws the listener in. The expressive vocals, paired with a wonderful vocal tone, add warmth and emotion to the track, making it an engaging and refined listening experience. It’s a beautifully produced piece overall.

The introductory rubato piano chords immediately pull the listener into a beautifully sophisticated and intimate jazz sanctuary. The vocal entrance arrives with the absolute warmth of a private confession, floating elegantly over the delicate brushwork and rich bass textures. Every musical choice feels masterfully tailored for a romantic evening, building smoothly toward a magnificent instrumental solo and an unforgettable vocal finale. It stands out as an exceptionally polished, classic release that captures the magical feeling of falling in love with true artistic grace.

Great atmosphere! The vocal performance is amazing! The vocal timbre sounds great!... Great work on the instrumental! Great composition. The piano sounds very nice.

A very light, delicate, and immersive atmosphere. I really appreciated the elegance of the piano and vocal arrangement, as well as the way the performance slowly unfolds with such care and emotional presence. There’s a refined quality in the song that makes it feel very intimate and beautifully performed, almost like watching a graceful live performance happen right in front of you.

Truly incredible. I absolutely love its dynamics and the joyful energy it carries...Please keep making such amazing music!

Made me slow down and listen carefully... the emotions come through in a very natural way. The lyrics speak about love with honesty and warmth, making the song feel both gentle and meaningful. It is a beautiful track that creates a calm space for the listener....The beautiful vocals, expressive piano, and touching saxophone create a warm and emotional listening experience. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys gentle jazz, meaningful lyrics, and music that quietly touches the heart.

“Let Love Begin” presents an elegant and deeply romantic atmosphere, exploring the enchantment of the beginning of a love story through a refined and sensitive composition. The production relies on sophisticated jazz arrangements, featuring expressive piano, acoustic bass, and gentle drums that create an intimate and welcoming environment. The vocal performance conveys delicacy and sincerity, guiding the narrative with naturalness and emotion. The song unfolds gradually, highlighting every instrumental detail and reinforcing a sense of emotional closeness. It is an engaging and beautifully crafted piece, capable of transporting the listener to moments of contemplation, affection, and romance.

Worthy of the great jazz divas.

An elegant and captivating listening experience, driven by an expressive performance, great musical finesse, and polished production. It establishes a strong artistic identity, conveys genuine emotion, and leaves a lasting impression...

This song ["If You Know You Know"] stands out for its rich harmonies and engaging improvisations. The interplay between instruments flows naturally, giving the track a great live feel... it was a pleasure to listen.

Monika Ryan embraces vulnerability with "The Luckiest In The World," a stripped-back ballad that proves how powerful simplicity can be. Built entirely around voice, piano, and soprano saxophone, the song removes every unnecessary layer, leaving an expansive musical space where emotion takes precedence.

[This Music]...is a reminder that we all have something to learn from each other. We love the hopeful lens and the focus on unity in divisive times.

​Beautifully executed traditional jazz, blending piano, bass, drums, Keith Loftis's distinct saxophone, and Monika Ryan's grounded vocals in a way that feels natural and highly welcoming for the urban environment...The tight interaction between the instruments and the clean, light, and unexaggerated vocal performance show how technical simplicity and lyrical honesty are more than enough to build a real connection with the listener.

This is exactly the kind of jazz that resonates with me the most. The kind that doesn't just resonate with people already in love with the genre, but has the potential to introduce jazz to someone who doesn't normally listen to it and make them actually interested.

It immediately struck us with its melodic elegance, emotional depth, and modern flair. Your warm and sophisticated voice blends perfectly with Adrian Galante's arrangements and the Quintet's work, creating an atmosphere that invites attentive and rewarding listening.

"Delightfully" presents itself as a complete artistic statement that reflects a deliberate command of tone, intention, and jazz craftsmanship...vocal delivery carries a rare equilibrium between technical control and expressive openness, where every phrase is shaped with clarity while still feeling emotionally unforced...the optimism never feels superficial but deeply rooted in conviction... a conversational intimacy while still projecting the authority of a fully realized jazz artist... 

There's a clear sense of craft in the performance, and the light-swing feel gives it a joyful, classic jazz character that fits the intention of the project well...

Monika Ryan welcomes listeners into her latest musical journey with “DELIGHTFULLY,” the uplifting opening track from her newest album of the same name. Warm, inviting, and filled with effortless charm, the song immediately establishes an atmosphere of optimism while showcasing the chemistry of a remarkable ensemble of musicians.

"Delightfully" is old school to the bone and wears it proudly. The band is tight, the ragtime and classic jazz vibe is executed with real class, and the Dave Brubeck Time Out-inspired artwork sets the right expectations. I'd reach for Brubeck himself when I'm in that mood, and those moments don't come often. But here's the thing: sometimes a community needs to hear something that reminds them where music comes from. Sharing this as an educational recommendation for younger listeners in my Orb Club.

​With 'Delightfully,' Monika Ryan delivers a moment of pure bliss — an acoustic swing that is at once timeless and thoroughly modern. As the lead single from an ambitious project of fourteen original compositions, this track immediately establishes a warm, luminous mood, perfect for life's suspended moments. Backed by an exceptional New York-based quintet, including Steve Einerson on piano and Keith Loftis on saxophone, Ryan showcases both the elegance of her songwriting and the finesse of her delivery. It is an irresistible invitation to joy, carried by refined musicianship and the effortless ease that defines the voice and spirit of this remarkable contemporary jazz storyteller.