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I used to listen to more jazz, dusted off some old favorites though this week. Story time with this album, like 7-8 years ago I rolled up solo to a show at the Village Vanguard in NYC and was seated next to another solo attendee- over some martinis we got to chatting about lots of topics, jazz being one of course, sharing recs, and he spoke very highly of this album which I hadn’t heard before. Coincidentally we even ended up at the same pizza place for a slice after it happened where our discussion continued. Shout out to you Alan you’re a real dude hope you’re doing well.
Feb 28, 2025
Multiple versions of it in Monk's catalogue but this one -- featuring another jazz legend, John Coltrane on the sax solo/melody -- is my favorite.
Not to be too geeky about it, but what made Monk special were all of his eccentricities: dissonant melodies and unexpected chord/mode changes, using flat ninths, flat fifths, unexpected chromatic notes together. I would describe his piano-playing style as "percussive." There's a lot of noise/silence in his key-tickling.
His distinctive look included suits, hats, and sunglasses. He also had an idiosyncratic habit during performances: while other musicians continued playing, Monk would stop, stand up, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano.
He's also the second-most-recorded jazz composer in the canon, second only to "Sir Duke" Ellington.
Jul 5, 2024
Thelonious monk is good i think this album is a little abstract but he is a good listen
Feb 14, 2025
Top Recs from @eileen
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creates some mysterious kind of focus
May 8, 2024
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Holds up in a big way
Made me miss my old boss
Mar 5, 2024