Jazz Articles about Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk: Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia

by Franz A. Matzner
October 9, 2003

Although critical accuracy and integrity are usually dependent on avoiding categorical endorsement and suggestions of purchase, there have to be some exceptions. In certain cases, this same integrity demands overlooking the rules. So before proceeding any further, let it be said that the Thelonious Records release Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia belongs in every music collection, including that of the jazz collector, Monk fanatic, Monk skeptic (do they exist?) and casual jazz fan alike. In fact, given Monk’s ...

Thelonious Monk: Underground

by Jerry D'Souza
October 6, 2003

The cover of this album is an interesting one. Was Monk’s sense of humor at work? Whatever the answer, the music that it contains is elevating. This expanded edition expiates the shortcomings of the original release where tunes had to be edited so that they could be contained on an LP. The record features four new Monk compositions, including “Ugly Beauty” and “Boo Boo’s Birthday,” which have alternate takes on this release. The last track is also a bonus.

Thelonious Monk: It's Monk's Time

by Jerry D'Souza
October 6, 2003

The restoration campaign of the Monk catalog is as welcome as any such endeavor could be. Here is the opening of the doors to the music, the way it was and the way it transpired before it took the shape that first came out on record. Amendments have been made by restoring the edited portions, the prime factor that gives one the impetus to revisit the music. Add unreleased takes and remastered sound, and the lure is complete. ...

Thelonious Monk: Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia

by C. Michael Bailey
October 6, 2003

New Monk

Few things in jazz can possibly be better than previously unheard sets by late jazz greats. When that music comes from of the very spirit of jazz, Thelonious Monk, it is time for consideration and celebration. Lurking within the Thelonious Monk Family Archives is a mother lode of previously unreleased music by the jazz master. Now in a deal struck between Thelonious Records and Joel Dorn's most recent imprint, Hyena Records, this unissued material will be made public. ...

Thelonious Monk: Underground

by David Rickert
August 25, 2003

Underground was Monk’s final quartet recording, but instead of sounding like a last gasp, the modern jazz pioneer proved he had one truly great record left in him. The set kicks off with a rousing version of “Thelonious,” an old tune that has lost none of its freshness over the decades. However, the real treat is that for once on a Columbia release, four brand new songs are featured, all of which are worthy entries into Monk’s vast catalog of ...

Thelonious Monk: It's Monk's Time

by David Rickert
August 25, 2003

It's Monk's Time is in many ways the least compromising of Monk's Columbia records and the polar opposite of a record like Criss Cross (1962) due to the variety ' lengthy renditions of tunes, a couple of solo performances, and a few obscure originals dusted off for the occasion. The session kicks off with what appears to be a solo recording of 'Lulu's Back in Town,' only to evolve from clunky stride into a full-blown quartet version after three minutes, ...

Thelonious Monk: Criss-Cross

by David Rickert
August 25, 2003

Monk’s first record for Columbia could be accused of being a safe bet since it features a selection of classic Monk tunes instead of new material. However, don’t dismiss it too quickly. On the original recordings of these songs, the pianist played as if he was chiseling the tunes out of marble, and part of the fun was listening to what seemed very much like composition in progress. These recordings, on the other hand, sound more like finished sculptures or ...