Stephen Gauci: Thunk! (2012)

Mark Corroto

Senior Contributor since 1999

Mark misses his large dog Louie, but endeavors daily to find and listen to new and interesting sounds.

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Published: December 14, 2012

If the subject of an album of covers songs is pianist Thelonious Monk Thelonious Monk
1917 - 1982
piano , then the approach invariably is reverence or its opposite, insolence. Bands either worship at Monk's alter or attempt to out-Monk Monk by counterfeiting eccentricity or outlandishness. To quote the great man, "You've been making the wrong mistakes."

One band not making those wrong mistakes is saxophonist Stephen Gauci's quartet. Its eight Monk covers begin with a bold confidence and ply a determined vigor to this famed canon.

Thunk! opens with a hint of funk, as bassist Michael Bisio Michael Bisio

bass, acoustic and drummer Jeremy Carlstedt Jeremy Carlstedt

drums stroll New Orleans for a pulse. By the time guitarist Kenny Wessel Kenny Wessel
and Gauci enter, the die has been cast. These cats muscle "Bemsha Swing" more as jazz-funk than bebop. While aggressive, the music never comes off as irreverent.

Gauci has shared a regular collaboration with Bisio in the bassist's quartet; Bisio also appears on pianist Kris Davis Kris Davis

piano ' stellar Three (Clean Feed, 2010), and on Gauci's twin-bassist Basso Continuo group, on Nididyhasana (Clean Feed, 2008).

Tracks like "Monks Mood," "Well You Needn't" and "Off Minor" are played as if pushed by a pugnaciousness that is more New York brusqueness. Credit Bisio's hand, and the producer's choice to mix the drums upfront. Gauci's choice of notes, as his selection of players dictates this mood. The discovery here is Wessel. He favors a supportive role when Gauci solos, but stitches together a running commentary throughout tracks like "Nutty" and dresses up "Ask me Now," in duo with Gauci, that simply elevates the track into a dream state. Gauci's Thunk! book is a veracious take on the brilliance of Thelonious Monk.

Track Listing: Bemsha Swing; Ask Me Now; Let's Cool One; Monks Mood; Nutty; Ruby My Dear; Off Minor; Well You Needn't.

Personnel: Stephen Gauci: tenor saxophone; Kenny Wessel: guitar; Michael Bisio: bass; Jeremy Carlstedt: drums.

Record Label: NotTwo Records
Style: Modern Jazz