aja monet – when the poems do what they do (vinyl album)

“when the poems do what they do” is the debut album from acclaimed poet and performer aja monet, released June 9, 2023. On this genre‑defying project, Monet’s spoken‑word poetry is interwoven with jazz, blues, and soul‑inflected musical arrangements, backed by accomplished musicians including trumpeter Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, pianist Samora Pinderhughes, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, bassist Luques Curtis, djembe player Weedie Braimah, and drummer Marcus Gilmore.

Across tracks such as “i am”, “black joy”, “unhurt”, and “weathering”, monet navigates themes of social injustice, identity, love, and collective resilience with poetic precision and emotional urgency. Her work channels lived experience into expressive performance, exploring the pressures of systemic inequality and the enduring power of connection and joy.

Reviews have noted the album’s evocative soundscapes and lyrical depth, positioning it within a broader tradition that merges spoken‑word poetry with rich musical textures. Praised for its emotional resonance and artistic ambition, “when the poems do what they do” expands the possibilities of contemporary poetic expression, inviting listeners into a space where language and music refuse to be confined.

About the Artist: aja monet is a poet, musician, and cultural figure known for her powerful spoken‑word performances and contributions to contemporary poetry and music. Her artistic practice spans performance, recording, and community engagement, rooted in storytelling, social reflection, and expressive innovation.