Search - Thelonious Monk :: Solo Monk

(3.5 stars) Odd because it's so normal

finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 03/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought Monk didn't know how to make a conventional album. And yet, here it is. A solo piano record, half of it standards like "I Surrender Dear", "Sweet and Lovely", "I'm Confessin'", and "These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)". The standards aren't terribly revealing, though "These Foolish Things" has a nice minor-key atmosphere to it - they actually show a rarely seen side of Monk, the traditionalist, old-school side, the kind of stuff you'd hear in a keyboard lounge if it weren't for Monk's technique. But they're good, because no matter what, Monk can really play. I find I like Monk's originals better, though. "North of the Sunset", written specially for the project, is an entertaining stride piano oddity that's way too brief; "Ruby My Dear" is one of Monk's most poignant melodies; "Monk's Point" is nicely jumpy; "I Should Care", despite not having a melody of any kind, is still entertaining weirdness; "Ask Me Now" is simply one of my favorite Monk tunes, and I'm a big fan of the dissonant ending, as if to remind you of whose record this really is. I really don't have much to say about the rest of it. "Dinah", "I Hadn't Had Anyone Till You", and "Everything Happens to Me" are three far more obscure covers, and while they're nice and listenable, even if they all sound the same. And despite the fact that it's totally out-of-character for Monk, it's still a good record. I mean, what else is there to say about it? I've got no clue how to review solo piano albums in the first place - this would be only the second I've heard, after Dr. John Plays Mac Rebennack (which I think is a great record, by the way). But hey, I like it, even though Monk's full-band classics blow it away."

Alone

Brian D. Fitzpatrick | Medford, MA | 04/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""..Monk's unique piano style was largely perfected during his stint as the house pianist at 'Mintons' in New York City during the early to mid 1940's when he participated in the famous after hours 'cutting competitions' that featured most of the leading jazz soloist of the period.The Minton's scene was crucial in the formulations of the be-bop genre,and brought Monk in close contact with Charlie Parker,Dizzy Gillepie,Kenny Clarke and other greats of the day..."[Excerpts from a profile of Monk on Wikipedia] Minton's was the breeding ground for the devolopment of a new musical language.New harmonic and melodic approaches were developed and perfected. A 'thinking tank' so to speak.

Thelonious Monk was 'smack dab' in the middle of it.So taking that all into consideration on this recording we have the unique oppurtunity of hearing the master by himself,with the added pleasure of a perfectly tuned piano.One of great masters of the improvised line,along with his strikingly original harmonic ideas makes this a real treat.The tune list is a mixture of originals and standards such as 'I Should Care'(Weston/Stordahl),'Everything Happens to Me'(Dennis-Adair),and his own classic 'Ruby My Dear'.This comes highly recommended.

Health and Happiness

"

Solo Monk - Thelonious Monk

Peri Grenell | Willimantic, CT | 03/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is perfection. Monk alone playing classics and favorites. It would be difficult to be in a bad mood while or after listening to this CD. It is pure Monk!"