We have been fans of the Mo & Grazz duo since day one. So after focusing on Grazzhoppa a couple of weeks ago, we thought it was time to put the spotlight on his wife and musical partner Monique Harcum aka Mo. A talented singer with an incredible career, Mo worked with Zap Mama and Jill Scott before touring with the Grazzhoppa Bigband and releasing “Falling upon def ears” in 2006. Mo & Grazz’s sophomore album “Gemini” is due out fall 2009.

Another reason we wanted to introduce Mo to the Laid Back crowd is because on Thursday we will present the second track of the Louie Gee Ensemble (remember Scrabble?) where she is taking care of the vocal part.

In the meantime, here is a unique portrait of Monique Harcum’s career. Selected and commented by Mo herself.

Mo by Monique Harcum

Here is a little piece of my life that you might not know about. Every thing I’ve done in the past had made me who I am today. I have managed to stay true to my art since I was 17 years old. I have never giving up on my craft and she has never given up on me. Every time I write a song or step on stage to perform, that little girl with the Pom Poms is inside cheering me on.

I think I was 10 years old in this picture. The funny thing is I don’t remember cheering at any game.

I went to the High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in Philadelphia where my major was Dance. We had to take dance class (or whatever your major was) for 3 hours a day and then off to our other classes (English, math…) That school changed my life by making me discover that I wanted and needed to be an entertainer.

This is my Junior Prom picture. I had this dress made and I just knew I looked good. It was the color peach and my poor date had to get a matching shirt. Hey, it was the 80’s!

I was in college at the time and got a job with the circus. I had to tell my parents I was dropping out of school to join the circus. Let’s just say they were not very happy. That’s me bottom right.

Not a lot of people know that I was a dancer first. I started taking classes at age 3. Here, I am taking a class in Philadelphia.

Not the greatest face but I love this picture. Something that my body can no longer do. Shame, it would come in handy.

I danced with a very famous Jazz Dance company from the 80’s called. This was taken before the show. Gotta love the 80’s make up.

I went to New York in ‘89 and started auditioning. My 3rd audition was for a tour of Hair. I spent 6 months touring Europe with the show.

Being a dancer, I was so afraid to sing. But by the end of the run, I had found my voice and started doing solos in the show.

From Hair, I went to Berlin to do Little Shop of Horrors (which I sang in German). It was my first experience with a foreign language. This is why when I speak Flemish, my “ik” sounds like “ich”.

I sang with a wonderful woman named Queen Yana. She was from the States and was huge in Berlin. I learned a lot from her. Here we are singing background for her.

I returned home and heard they were having auditions for Malcolm X. I was amazed that I was hired and could not believe I would be in a scene with Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. This was the last dancing job I had before I hung up my dancing shoes.

I sang with a group called Imani for 10 years. And that’s where I really found my voice. It was an honor to meet and sing for Take 6. Oh, Joy!

I think we sang the National Anthem at over 10 games. We got to stand on the court with Micheal Jordan.

This picture with Jill Scott was taken at the AB in Brussels. I had no idea standing on stage that I would be living in Belgium some day!

Another great moment working with Jill, meeting Ron Isley. Legend!

All pictures taken from Monique Harcum’s archive except the first one from wannabes.be