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The Microscopic Septet: Friday the Thirteenth: The Micros Play Monk
ByMonk's music is foremost a melodic expression of the composer's sense of humor, one shared by the Micros. There is no "'Round Midnight," "Straight, No Chaser," or "Blue Monk" here, but all of these and others are quoted in these twelve performances, half previously released and half newly arranged for this recording. The Micros are Monk experts who possess the same DNA as the master, seamlessly empathetic to his craggy compositional style.
In the hands of the Micros, the title piece is nearly Wagnarian in its use of Monk's reoccurring leitmotif, carried throughout the piece on the backs of all the melodic instruments. "Pannonica" is transformed into a Julius Hemphill juggernaut, replete with all of the necessary creative honking and squeaking to justify the performance as free jazz. Baritone saxophonist Dave Sewelson enters a driving duet with drummer Richard Dworkin ferocious enough to recall the marathon duos of the late tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and drummer Elvin Jones in the mid-1960s.
The Micros add space to Monk's already spacious compositions, once referred to as the "skeleton" of bebop. While an overstatement, giving Monk's music a skeletal or foundational image is quite appropriate. It is pure creativity...both on the part of Monk and The Microscopic Septet.
Track Listing
Brilliant Corners; Friday the 13th; Gallop's Gallop; Teo; Pannonica; Evidence; We See; Off Minor; Bye-Ya; Worry Later; Misterioso; Epistrophy.
Personnel
Microscopic Septet
band / ensemble / orchestraPhillip Johnston: soprano sax; Don Davis: alto sax; Mike Hashim: tenor sax; Dave Sewelson: baritone sax; Joel Forrester: piano; David Hofstra: double bass; Richard Dworkin: drums.
Album information
Title: Friday the Thirteenth: The Micros Play Monk | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Cuneiform Records
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About Microscopic Septet
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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