Bourbon Princess features the singing, songwriting and bass playing of Monique Ortiz. Black Feather Wings, her first album to be distributed commercially, proves her to be a formidable triple threat. Aided and abetted by drummer Jerome Deupree, guitarist/pianist Jim Moran and producer/saxophonist Dana Colley, Monique has created a stunning album, full of attitude and mood, storytelling and invective, churning rock and delicate melodies.

The title track and "Stretcher," along with several other songs, sound like potential hits, with strong hooks, gripping lyrics and a unique and immediately recognizable voice.

In 1996, feeling trapped in suburban Pennsylvania, Monique heard Cambridge Mass.-based Morphine and decided to make a move north to the more creative environment. Since then, she has developed her sound as a solo act and in various band combinations.

Monique Ortiz

Her first full album, Stopline, was self-released in 2000 and helped her build a local following. Besides the excellent music, audiences respond to Monique's dry sense of humor and riveting presence. Since then, she has placed a song on the Respond compilation (along with acts like Dolly Parton, Ani DeFranco, and Aimee Mann). She has worked with a number of band members and also as a sidewoman to other artists.

Last summer Monique went into Hi & Dry Studio, and worked with Morphine's saxophonist Colley and original drummer Deupree, along with her main sideman Jim Moran on Black Feather Wings. While her collaborators and the fact that she is a singer/bassist prompt comparisons with Morphine, Monique's music echoes diverse influences like Chrissie Hynde, Lou Reed and Brian Ferry.

Since the recording, Deupree has stayed on as Bourbon Princess's regular drummer and Colley has been succeeded by Accurate Records chief and Either/Orchestra leader Russ Gershon on saxophones.