Maria Emrik is a prolific jazz recording artist, a Danish singer-songwriter who has fully polished and released 11 albums, although her website boasts even more that are, presumably, in various stages of production. Her latest album, Happy to Be Me, was sent to me without the benefit of liner notes -- and her website is also sparse of content -- so I have no information on the songs or the musicians who accompany her on 11 tracks spanning nearly 40 minutes.

From what I can see, she has recorded plenty of cover material in the past, but this is an album made up entirely of original material, written by Emrik and composed by W.A. Glutsson. This is smooth jazz, soft and sultry, bordering on easy listening. Emrik has the voice of a jazz club siren who never dares to be intrusive; consequently, the music fades quietly into the background.

Her warm vocals are gentle to the point of becoming a soporific, however. Was that her goal? If so, well done.

While the album felt monotonous to my ears, I realize some smooth jazz fans enjoy a certain consistency, a lack of variety that allows the music to flow over them without jarring their senses. Happy to Be Me isn't for me, but folks who like this style of jazz won't find anything offensive in the mix. Emrik's vocals are sweet and soothing, the instrumental backdrop is subtle and unlikely to trespass too rudely on your consciousness.

[ visit Maria Emrik's website ]