Thelonious Monk - Monkism (1954)

Thelonious Monk - Monkism (1954)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 85MB

LaserLight

CDuniverse:
MONKISM offers a fine array of recordings made by the pianist at a solo session in Paris, 1954. While audiophiles may be disappointed by the sound quality, these tracks will be of interest to Monk neophytes and connoisseurs alike. The material consists of both originals and standards, both rendered without the support of a band and therefore allowing Monk's lovely, oddball compositional style to emerge more prominently alongside his improvisations.
"Off Minor" is stuttering and jagged, abounding with close intervals and informed by a halted sense of phrasing that fills one's mind with all manner of strange visual abstractions. The Kern and Harbach oldie, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," is always fun at Thelonious' fingers. Dreamy chromatic rolls follow the occasional interjection of biting dissonance, expressing both genuine reverie and playful irony. MONKISM makes for a keen looking-glass perspective into Monk's personality. Here we see the blazing futurist and the goofy romantic walking hand in hand.
Allmusic:
The music on this 1999 Laserlight CD has been reissued many times. On June 7, 1954, Thelonious Monk (who was ending his period with Prestige and had not yet signed with Riverside) recorded nine piano solos while in Paris, less than 32 minutes of music, which made for a brief LP. Among the numbers are "'Round Midnight," "Evidence," "Off Minor" and the lone non-Monk standard, "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." The Laserlight release only has eight of the performances, which makes for a very skimpy CD! When one considers that the original nine numbers are available on a BMG/Vogue disc, along with 13 unrelated solos from pianist Joe Turner, there really is no reason to buy this half-CD despite the quality of the music.

Tracks
-01. 'Round Midnight [0:05:22.47]
-02. Evidence [0:03:09.53]
-03. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes [0:03:28.20]
-04. Well You Needn't [0:03:28.72]
-05. Reflections [0:05:06.45]
-06. Wee See [0:02:38.42]
-07. Eronel [0:02:35.56]
-08. Off Minor [0:02:34.55]
Recorded in Paris, France on June 7, 1954.

Performer
* Thelonious Monk (piano)

sample & buy: Monkism

Thelonious Monk - En Concert_Olympia 6-7 Mars 1965 (Paris Jazz Concert v1-2)

Thelonious Monk - En Concert_Olympia 6-7 Mars 1965

AKA: Paris Jazz Concert, Vol. 1 & 2

jazz | 2cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 720MB

Trema

Allmusic:
vol1
Thelonious Monk is heard in a concert that was probably recorded for a radio broadcast at the somewhat cavernous Olympia in Paris, which causes a rather slow fade of his piano chords. He is joined by his long time tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley. Nothing unusual takes place as the fare is standard for Monk: long versions of "Evidence," "Blue Monk," and "Four in One," a lengthy exploration of the old standard "Sweet and Lovely," plus a brief (by Monk's standards) excursion into "Rhythm-A-Ning" and the obligatory sign-off theme of "Epistrophy." There are some minor sound problems due to some dropouts in the decades-old master tape, but Monk fans will enjoy this release, as well as the concert recorded the following day, which is available on a separate second volume from Malaco Jazz.
vol2
Pianist Thelonious Monk appeared at the Olympia in Paris on consecutive nights in March 1965; this is the second CD documenting some of the music played, which was probably first recorded for a radio broadcast. The slow fade of the music is due to the reverberation caused by the large theater's acoustics, but it doesn't interfere with the music. Like the previous Malaco Jazz CD from the day before, the play list has no surprises but the performances are exhilarating, including long versions of Monk's always swinging "Well You Needn't," "Teo," "Bright Mississippi" (his reworking of "Sweet Georgia Brown"), the old standard "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," and the inevitable set closer "Epistrophy." Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse is in great form and the quartet seems to have turned it up just a notch from the previous evening. One can't have enough versions of Monk playing his works, so this CD is recommended.

Tracks
cd1, 6-03-65
-1 "Evidence" 12:34
-2 "Blue Monk" 11:08
-3 "Four in One" 12:07
-4 "Sweet and Lovely" 15:48
-5 "Rhythm-A-Ning" 8:31
-6 "Epistrophy" 4:56

cd2, 7-03-65
-1 "Well, You Needn't" 12:56
-2 "I'm Getting Sentimental over You" 13:50
-3 "Teo" 11:31
-4 "Bright Mississippi" 12:35
-5 "Epistrophy" 5:10

Personnel
*Larry Gales (Bass),
*Charlie Rouse (Sax (Tenor)),
*Ben Riley (Drums),
*Thelonious Monk (Piano)

sample & buy: Vol.1

sample & buy: Vol. 2

Bud Powell - A Portrait Of Thelonious (1961) (eac-log-cover)

Bud Powell - A Portrait Of Thelonious (1961)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 290MB

Columbia/Legacy

Allmusic:
This CD reissue is one of the most rewarding Bud Powell recordings to come from his period in France. Powell (along with bassist Pierre Michelot and drummer Kenny Clarke) explores four of Thelonious Monk's tunes, Earl Bostic's "No Name Blues" and the standard "There Will Never Be Another You" but it is the final two numbers ("I Ain't Foolin'" and "Squatty") which really find the bop master at his most spirited and swinging. This very rewarding CD releases for the first time the alternate take (a faster rendition without a clear melody) of "Squatty," a song that (based on its original version) deserves to be revived. One oddity: the applause heard throughout this release was added on later because this was actually a studio album.

Tracks:
All songs were written by Thelonious Monk, except where noted.
01. "Off Minor" – 5:20
02. "There Will Never Be Another You" (Harry Warren, Mack Gordon) – 4:17
03. "Ruby, My Dear" – 5:46
04. "No Name Blues" (Earl Bostic) – 6:38
05. "Thelonious" – 3:46
06. "Monk's Mood" – 7:06
07. "I Ain't Fooling" (Charles Albertine) – 3:19
08. "Squatty" (Brian Fahey) – 5:48
09. "Squatty" [unissued alternate] (Fahey) – 5:04 (not on original LP)

Personnel:
* Bud Powell – piano
* Pierre Michelot – bass
* Kenny Clarke – drums

sample & buy: Portrait of Thelonious

Thelonious Monk - Monk In Tokyo (1963) (eac-log-cover)

Thelonious Monk - Monk In Tokyo (1963)

jazz | 2cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 530MB

Columbia/Legacy

Allmusic:
This double-CD package of a single Tokyo gig during Monk's seven-date tour of Japan is being issued in the United States for the first time on compact disc. Of the many bootlegs of the shows Monk played there in 1963, be assured that Columbia has chosen the best one for official release. Recorded in the middle of May in 1963, this was one of the last tours Monk would undertake with the rhythm section of drummer Frankie Dunlop and bassist Butch Warren. The group had been together since 1959, and Monk was looking in new rhythmic directions as he entered fully into his record deal with Columbia. The band comes out steaming with "Straight, No Chaser," with its lyrical off-meter strut swinging through a weird 5/8 time signature. Rouse solos first, winding through a Dexter Gordon ballad ("Star Eyes") and through to some of Monk's faves that would be played later that evening, such as "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" and "Evidence." The tone is rough, raw, and punchy. Rouse swung hard his entire life and his '60s-period playing is easily his best. Monk takes up the solo with interesting counterpoint figures at harmonic odds with the key signature of the tune but, true to form, he could bend any pitch worth messing with to get the right harmonic balance. When he starts plunking down cluster chords followed by higher- to lower-register slide runs, the tune's up for grabs. It's Dunlop's dancing drumming and Warren's steady if unimaginative playing here that keeps it grounded. Given the adulation of the Tokyo audience, Monk slides easily into "Pannonica," with his solo quoting "Liza" and "Uptown" in the same eight measures. Rouse is at his level swinging best on "Just a Gigolo." After a rousing and harmonically bizarre ride through "Bemsha Swing," Monk introduces the "Epistrophy" theme and carries it through the rest of the gig in suite form. The tunes between the theme and its full-on jam treatment are "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "Hackensack," and a stinging "Blue Monk," which creates the seamless opportunity for the band to shift rhythms and changes and move into a harmonically dense yet flowing final round of "Epistrophy." The solos of both Monk (in which he quotes Errol Garner, Bud Powell, and Teddy Wilson) and Rouse (which uses the hard bop approach to go sailing over the band by double-timing the rhythm section) are as breathtaking as they seem effortless. The Japanese audience howls its appreciation, making for a finely recorded ending to this phase of Monk's career. The CD sound is improved over the Japanese issues and far cleaner than either of the LP versions. What's more, no additions or deletions were made from this performance, meaning it was originally issued exactly as it happened. For the many who believe Monk did his best work on the bandstand, this set is a fine point to make in your argument.

Tracks:
cd1
-01. "Straight, No Chaser" 9:46
-02. "Pannonica" 7:45
-03. "Just a Gigolo" 2:27
-04. "Evidence" 7:55
-05. "Jackie-ing" 5:07
-06. "Bemsha Swing" 4:25
-07. "Epistrophy" 1:10
cd2
-01. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" 9:28
-02. "Hackensack" 11:03
-03. "Blue Monk" 13:18
-04. "Epistrophy" 8:25

Personnel:
* Thelonious Monk – piano
* Frankie Dunlop – drums
* Butch Warren – bass
* Charlie Rouse - sax

sample & buy: Monk in Tokyo

Thelonious Monk - Monk In France (1961) (eac-flac-cover)

Thelonious Monk - Monk In France (1961)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover| 335MB

OJC | rar +5% recovery

AMG:
In 1961, Thelonious Monk and his quartet toured Europe, producing a series of live albums for various labels. The First European Concert, as well as recordings of Monk in Paris, Italy, Bern, Copenhagen, and Stockholm all date from that year. The performances drew almost exclusively from a body of the pianist's best-loved original material, and Monk in France is no exception. While his playing here is less energized than it can be, Monk's singular philosophy is well intact. The pianist's lines are sparse and fluid. Characteristically, he maps out only the necessary notes in his off-kilter melodies, building solos from perfectly balanced melodic/rhythmic motifs. The European touring lineup is completed by drummer Frankie Dunlop, bassist John Ore, and tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse. Rouse had joined Monk two years earlier, replacing Johnny Griffin on 1959's Evidence. He has a vibrant tone and fluid rhythmic sense best heard here on "I Mean You." Monk's responding solo seems slightly reserved, the fire and weight of his attack largely absent. The remaining two-thirds of the rhythm section, while accomplished, do little to drive him in that direction. Performing solo, Monk's reading of the standards "Body and Soul" and "Just a Gigolo" are two highlights. The former features the sort of ornate playing uncharacteristic of the date. Monk spins off dense lines that take many listens to untangle. The latter is given a brief rendition tinged with ringing dissonance. The 1960s would see Monk signing to Columbia Records, where he would release another string of excellent recordings like Monk's Dream, Criss Cross, and Solo Monk. Monk in France represents a pleasant but unessential sidetrack in the pianist's output.

Tracks:
1. "Well You Needn't" – 11:30
2. "Off Minor" – 11:41
3. "Just A Gigolo" – 1:42
4. "I Mean You" – 11:02
5. "Hackensack" – 9:46
6. "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" – 8:30
bonus tracks:
7. "Body and Soul" – 2:48
8. "Crepuscule with Nellie" - 2:39

Personnel:
* Thelonious Monk – piano
* John Ore - bass
* Charlie Rouse - Tenor Saxophone
* Frankie Dunlop - Drums

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Thelonious Monk - Monk (1954) (RVG 2009) (eac-flac-cover)

Thelonious Monk - Monk (1954) (RVG2009)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 230MB

Prestige | RVG remaster | rar +5% recovery

AMG:
Thelonious Monk's Prestige recordings (reissued on three LP-length CDs) have been somewhat neglected through the years but, with the exception of a date for Vogue, they are the only documentation that exists of the unique pianist-composer's work as a leader during the latter half of 1952 through 1954. This set has four numbers (including Monk's originals "Wee See," "Locomotive" and the catchy "Hackensack") featuring Monk with trumpeter Ray Copeland (an underrated player), tenor saxophonist Frank Foster, bassist Curly Russell and drummer Art Blakey. However it is "Let's Call This" and the two versions of "Think of One" that are best-known, for Monk teams up with the French horn wizard Julius Watkins, bassist Percy Heath, drummer Willie Jones and the great tenor Sonny Rollins. Every Thelonious Monk recording is well worth getting although this one is not quite essential.

Tracks:
1. "We See" - 5:16
2. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" - 4:34
3. "Locomotive" - 6:23
4. "Hackensack" - 5:13
5. "Let's Call This" - 5:08
6. "Think of One" [Take 2] - 5:47
7. "Think of One" [Take 1] - 5:37

Personnel:
* Thelonious Monk - piano
* Ray Copeland - trumpet (tracks 1-4)
* Frank Foster - tenor saxophone (tracks 1-4)
* Curly Russell - bass (tracks 1-4)
* Art Blakey - drums (tracks 1-4)
* Julius Watkins - french horn (tracks 5-7)
* Sonny Rollins - tenor saxophone (tracks 5-7)
* Percy Heath - bass (tracks 5-7)
* Willie Jones - drums (tracks 5-7)

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rc

Thelonious Monk - Live At Monterey '63 vol.1-2 (MFSL) (eac-flac-cover)

Thelonious Monk - Live At Monterey '63 vol.1-2 (MFSL)

jazz | 2cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 770MB

MFSL UDCD 24k Gold | rar +5% recovery

AMG:
This double-CD contains pianist/composer Thelonious Monk's two sets at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival, music that was unreleased until 1994. Monk, tenor-saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore, and drummer Frank Dunlop perform lengthy versions of two standards: "I'm Getting Sentimental over You" and a nearly 19-minute "Sweet and Lovely," and seven of Monk's originals. Nothing all that unusual occurs (outside of the two-beat feel that Ore gives "I Mean You") but Monk and Rouse have plenty of fine solos. An above-average effort.

Tracks:
1 I'm Getting Sentimental over You 15:04
2 Well, You Needn't 15:11
3 Evidence 12:03
4 I Mean You 12:06
5 Light Blue 9:37
6 Criss-Cross 7:25
7 Epistrophy 6:16
8 Sweet and Lovely 19:01
9 Bright Mississippi 9:18

Personnel:
*Charlie Rouse - ts
*Thelonious onk - p
*Frank Dunlop - d
*John Ore - b

sample & buy 1
sample & buy 2

 

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Thelonious Monk - 5 By Monk By 5 (1959) (eac-flac-cover)

Thelonious Monk  - 5 By Monk By 5 (1959)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 370MB

OJC | rar +5% recovery

AMG
As the '50s drew to a close, so did Thelonious Monk's illustrious tenure on Riverside Records. In fact, the three dates needed for this title would be his penultimate for the label. The concept of the album consists of five Monk originals performed in a quintet setting. Ironically, this was the first time that Monk had recorded with a lineup that so prominently featured the "standard" bop rhythm section incorporating both a trumpet (or, in this case, cornet) and sax player. The quintet featured on Five by Monk by Five includes Monk (piano), Thad Jones (cornet), Charlie Rouse (tenor sax), Sam Jones (bass), and Art Taylor (drums). Rouse would become Monk's permanent tenor saxophonist for the majority of the 1960s. In what had become somewhat of a tradition, the disc's program consists of several of Monk's more established works as well as a few new compositions. One of the new works, "Jackie-ing" (incidentally, named after one of Monk's nieces), leads off the disc. It exemplifies the loose, disjointed, and exceedingly difficult arrangements that would define Monk as a premier composer/arranger/bandleader. This is in contrast to Monk the keyboard player and band member, which he skilfully demonstrates throughout the track as well as the rest of the album. The song's opening jam features a tasty tug of war between Rouse's animated lead and Monk's interjections and piano antics. Jones' cornet is incorporated tastefully throughout Monk's tricky arrangements. The stark contrast in performance timbre between the comparatively subdued Rouse or Monk and the frenetic bleating of Jones is notably disconcerting. The CD reissue includes two alternate takes of "Played Twice," the other Monk composition to be debuted on Five by Monk by Five.

Tracks
01 - Jackie-Ing
02 - Straight, No Chaser
03 - Played Twice (Take 3)
04 - Played Twice (Take 1)
05 - Played Twice (Take 2)
06 - I Mean You
07 - Ask Me Now

Personnel
* Thelonious Monk - Piano
* Thad Jones - Cornet
* Sam Jones - bass
* Charlie Rouse - Tenor Saxophone
* Art Taylor - Drums

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Thelonious Monk & Gerry Mulligan - Mulligan Meets Monk (XRCD) (1957) (eac-flac-cover)

Thelonious Monk & Gerry Mulligan - Mulligan Meets Monk (XRCD) (1957)
jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 405MB
JVC | 10-bit K2 | RAR +5% recovery
AMG
In the late 1950s/early '60s, baritonist Gerry Mulligan participated in several recorded "meetings" with jazz musicians whom he admired. For this set (reissued on CD in the OJC series), Mulligan teams up with pianist Thelonious Monk (who shares co-leadership), bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Shadow Wilson on a surprisingly successful date. Monk and Mulligan blend together quite well on what was essentially Thelonious' repertoire of the era including "'Round Midnight," "Rhythm-A-Ning," "Sweet and Lovely," and "I Mean You."

Tracks
1.'Round Midnight [8:30]
2.Rhythm-A-Ning [5:20]
3.Sweet And Lovely [7:18]
4.Decidedly (Take 4) [5:54]
5.Decidedly (Take 5) [6:39] *
6.Straight, No Chaser (Take 3) [7:01]
7.Straight, No Chaser (Take 1) [5:31] *
8.I Mean You (Take 4) [6:54]
9.I Mean You (Take 2) [6:32] *
*bonus tracks

Personnel
Gerry Mulligan: saxophone
Thelonious Monk: piano
Wilbur Ware: bass
Shadow Wilson: drums

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