Erica von Kleist’s sophomore album entitled “Erica von Kleist & No Exceptions” is an eclectic collection of new arrangements and compositions, mirroring both jazz and pop influences. Her songlist weaves the listener through funky, R&B-tinged titles such as “E’s Boogaloo” and “The Eraser”, Latin-jazz numbers like “Erica with a C” and “Thriller”, Brazilian-themed pieces as in “Summer Soft” and “Monday Drivers”, and of course a stirring rendition of “Stardust” by Hoagy Carmichael, and Erica’s award-winning original composition “Dirty Martini”.

In 2009, armed with a new attitude towards her career as a bandleader and performer, Erica compiled an ensemble of some of New York’s finest young jazz musicians - Zaccai Curtis, Luques Curtis, Dan Pratt, Nadje Noordhuis, and John Davis. Also featured on the CD are Ike Sturm, Jared Schonig, Natalie Riccio, Reinaldo DeJesus, Chris Dingman, Mark Small, Tatum Greenblatt, Dan Nimmer (of the Wynton Marsalis Septet), and Richie Barshay (of both Chic Corea and Herbie Hancock’s trios).

While each track features a different collection of musicians, the overall sound is cohesive, and reflects both Erica’s humorous and serious attitudes towards music. Offering new perspectives on songs by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and Thom Yorke, Erica applies her extensive knowledge of jazz and Latin jazz to her arrangements, proving that a swing or Latin feel has the power to transcend almost any musical genre.

Already a rising star in the jazz world, Erica von Kleist has begun to make her mark on the New York jazz scene. She is one of the most in-demand young musicians in the city, performing and recording with Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, Sean Jones, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, DIVA and the Grammy® Award-winning Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra. The 2009 Downbeat Magazine Critic’s Poll voted Erica a “Rising Star” on flute, following the release of Sean Jones’ record “The Search Within”, featuring Erica as a soloist. While performing is her primary passion, Erica has proven herself a prolific and gifted composer. Drawing upon influences such as Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, and Stevie Wonder, Erica has been commissioned to write for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Juilliard School and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.

Erica is currently in the orchestra of "The Addams Family" on Broadway and performed on the original cast recording featuring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth. As a bandleader, Erica will be embarking on her first tour with her group "No Exceptions" early in 2011.