Recommendations on Thelonius Monk

[Steve Killingsworth]

I have really been getting into some of Monk's music, but most of what I have are cover versions of his tunes. I would appreciate some input on a few original albums that would provide a good foundation for Monk listening.

Recommendations?

[Gornick]

Monk?

I don't think Monk made bad records... someone might chime in with a couple duds. but here are some personal favorites:

The two or maybe three out there featuring Coltrane, Hawkins and Wilbur Ware, as well as the new one from town hall with Trane.

Brilliant Corners with Sonny Rollins.

Mysterioso, Live at the 5 spot, with Johnny Griffin.

The early to mid 50's trios with Pettiford and Roach(?) are good, including the Ellington record.

And the 60's stuff with Rouse is really good too. The band really knows the material and stretches and pulls and condenses very well. Even the later 60's stuff some don't care for like Straight no Chaser

you can't go wrong with Monk.

[Arojekt]

I only have two albums by Thelonius, that my grandfather gave me when I was little. Back then, I didn't appreciate music. Back then, I was five. Now I have been exposed to music and it's power, and I've come to love Thelonius Monk. The two that I have, are the respective parts of the series, "Genius of Modern Music", of course, volumes one and two.

The first, essentially has a piano leading, however, it's not as bright sounding as the other album. It seems that the first album is composed of many songs that Thelonius chose to show a side of him that appears to emote "I'm just figuring out what I can write and perform". It doesn't have that definitive confidence in his work as most settled musical artists portray.

His second album, Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 2 has that awesome "WOW" factor to it. Complete with all the instruments, saxophone, xylophone, marimba, and sometimes strings, seems to give more of a profoundness to his music. The smooth Jazz that Monk has created in this album is quite a benchmark in his career I believe. I can only base that off what I've heard, and only owning two albums, but listening to many others through various other sources, I can only offer my best recommendation. In the end, I believe that giving Monk a great listening session is well worth the time, and you'll find it quite satisfying... especially over a nice cup of coffee... which is what I've found to fit surprisingly well.

I hope this helps.

--Arojekt.

[ducknturtle]

Look for the stuff Monk did on Blue Note and the Riverside. Absolutely essential. Some may dissagree but the music he made on Colombia with Charlie Rouse is variable in quality. None of it's exactly bad, but he often sounds tired, like he's just going through the motions. Most of it consists of re-recording of earlier triumphs.

[fingers]

I really dig "Live at the It Club"

[David Kaczorowski]

Live at the It Club is awesome. Also Live in Paris, I think it's on the Hyena label. The mid-60's rhythm section is my favorite. Larry Gales' walking solos are awesome. My favorite studio recordings are Brilliant Corners and Monk's music.

[bongomania]

Brilliant Corners is brilliant. The London Collection (on Black Lion) disc with Blakey and McKibbon is one of my favorites for listening to each of their voices working together. Here's a link to a listing of people that worked with Monk, including all the bassists, so you can look for recordings that pair him with your favorite bassists. http://www.monkzone.com/sidemenhtml.htm
It's interesting to hear how well (or poorly) different sidemen supported or augmented his playing.

[Ed Fuqua]

Another vote for LIVE AT THE IT CLUB. I'd also recommend the Carnegie Hall recording (Monk and Trane)that was recently released, it's the classic Five Spot band (although a compare and contrast with the 5 Spot's with Griff is a nice thang) with wonderful recording quality AND at the end of the 5 month run instead of at the beginning.

[ducknturtle]

In addition to all of the fine recommendations above I suggest Thelonius Monk and Sonny Rollins; Monk's Music (with Coleman Hawkins); Do not miss Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonius Monk. There are many more