Sheroes: A powerful force in jazz

Sheroes is a jazz band that has not only made its mark in the global music scene but has also reshaped the perception of women in jazz. Formed in 2014, the band’s debut performance in Kathmandu happened at Jazzmandu in October this year. It quickly became known for its electrifying live performances, innovative compositions, and powerful music. The band’s name, ‘Sheroes’, is a declaration of empowerment, inspired by the word ‘heroes’ and the strength of women who have been underrepresented in jazz.

Jazz, an art form known for its improvisation and constant evolution, has traditionally been a male-dominated genre. Sheroes is changing this narrative by celebrating female empowerment through its music, which breaks boundaries and challenges the stereotypes surrounding women in jazz. The band includes Jamie Baum, a flute player, Reut Rege, a trombone player, Monika Herzig, a pianist, Gina Schwarz,  on bass, and Rosa Avila as the drummer. 

The concept of Sheroes emerged from a desire to create something revolutionary. The band’s founding member Herzig wanted to forge a path that highlighted female talent in a male-centric world. The formation of the band in 2014 was more about taking a stand. The name itself, Sheroes, was chosen to honor the often overlooked contributions of women in the world of jazz, while also acknowledging the challenges they face.

For female musicians, there’s often an inherent challenge that goes beyond the music itself. In a genre where virtuosity and power are highly valued, women are still, at times, expected to prove themselves in ways their male counterparts do not. Sheroes confront this stereotype head-on. With every performance, they deliver an unexpected, powerful sound that defies expectations. Herzig says audiences are often left astonished by the depth and energy of the music, with many commenting, “We weren’t expecting such powerful music from you,” or “If I close my eyes, I wouldn’t even know it’s a female band.” These reactions underscore how Sheroes constantly redefines the limits of what people expect from women in jazz.

Sheroes draws deep inspiration from some of the most innovative and influential women in jazz history. Carla Bley, a revolutionary jazz composer, Geri Allen, a pianist and composer, and Mary Lou William, jazz pianist serve as key influences on the band’s sound. Their work in pushing the boundaries of jazz is a guiding force for Sheroes. Herzig, who is known for blending various styles and traditions into jazz, has also been a significant influence on Sheroes, allowing the band to develop its own distinctive voice. 

One of the core philosophies of Sheroes is that jazz is a living, breathing art form—constantly evolving and never fixed. “For the band, each performance is an opportunity to create something new. Jazz, unlike other genres, has no rigid aesthetic. It’s about spontaneity and response,” says Herzig. The musicians involved in Sheroes understand this deeply, using each performance to interact with the audience, the environment, and the energy in the room. Every note is shaped by the moment, creating a unique and unpredictable experience for the audience.

This emphasis on improvisation and fluidity is a hallmark of Sheroes’ performances. Whether they are playing in an intimate venue or a grand concert hall, the band’s music always feels fresh, driven by an energy that is palpable and electric. The connection between the players and the audience creates an atmosphere that makes every concert a shared journey, one that can never be replicated. 

Sheroes’ influence is spreading far beyond the stage. Since its formation, the band has been performing across the globe, captivating audiences with their energy and groundbreaking sound. Their tours, which take place twice a year, have introduced Sheroes to international audiences, allowing the band to share their unique blend of jazz with fans worldwide. 

The band’s first album, released shortly after their debut performance in 2014, was just the beginning of their journey. Since then, they have released four albums, with their most recent project, ‘All In Good Time’, produced by jazz legend Lenny White, reaching the Top 40 on the US JazzWeek Radio charts.

Sheroes’ success is not just about their music but also about the messages they impart with each performance. Through their groundbreaking work, Sheroes is inspiring the next generation of female musicians to step up and break down the barriers that still exist in the world of jazz.

At the heart of Sheroes is a powerful message of empowerment—If you love music, go for it. This message is one of defiance against fear and limitation, encouraging women to pursue their passion, no matter the obstacles. The band exemplifies the idea that there is always room to break through barriers, create something powerful, and make a lasting impact. They prove that the stage is not limited by gender, and that women are just as capable of shaping the future of jazz as anyone else.

Sheroes isn’t just a band, it’s a movement and a force of nature within the jazz world. By combining electrifying performances with a message of empowerment and breaking through societal expectations, they are shaping the future of jazz and inspiring countless women to take their place on the stage. As they continue to tour and make music, Sheroes will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the world of jazz, proving that the power of music, when combined with the strength of women, is unstoppable.