| Monk's Music is
among the most significant of Thelonious's classic Riverside albums.
Here he was literally looking back and ahead at the same time, by
bringing together Coleman Hawkins (the very first important voice on
tenor saxophone) and John Coltrane (on the verge of becoming a major
shaping force of the Sixties). Equally notable is the incredible
rhythmic support provided by combining Art Blakey and Wilbur Ware; and,
justifying the album title, a selection of vital Monk compositions–plus
his choice of the 19th century hymn, "Abide with Me" (written by one
William H. Monk). |
| Orrin Keepnews'
commentary (from the new liner notes): “This album was actually one of
the major factors in the successful battle to win new and wider
acceptance for Monk. In the sequence of his Riverside discography, it
followed two initial albums devoted entirely to 'standards' and offered
the first occasion on this label for Thelonious to express himself
basically through his own writing. Creating music for five instrumental
voices in terms of his personal and unorthodox construction, approach
and phrasing, he produced some startlingly brilliant examples of the
great depth, wit, and strength of his style.” |
| Reissue in the
high-fidelity Blu-spec CD format (fully compatible with standard CD
players). The mystery and haunting angular beauty of Thelonious Monk's
unadorned keyboard sides are the focus of Solo Monk. As if possessing
the history of jazz in his hands, Monk's solo recordings and
performances from every phase of his career remain pure. The components
of what made Monk such an uncompromising composer, arranger, and
especially bandmember are evident in every note he plays. The disc
includes both Monk originals as well as several covers of pop music
standards. |
| In Memoriam.
Orrin Keepnews, RIP. Jazz producer and record label found Orrin Keepnews
died on Sunday at the age of 91. Keepnews was behind landmark
recordings by jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans and
Cannonball Adderley... Remastered in 24-bit from the original master
tapes. Part of our Keepnews Collection, which spotlights classic albums
originally produced by the legendary and arguably the most respected of
all jazz producers, Orrin Keepnews. |
| “I was the
engineer on the recording sessions and I also made the masters for the
original LP issues of these albums. Since the advent of the CD, other
people have been making the masters. Mastering is the final step in the
process of creating the sound of the finished product. Now, thanks to
the folks at the Concord Music Group who have given me the opportunity
to remaster these albums, I can present my versions of the music on CD
using modern technology. I remember the sessions well, I remember how
the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the
playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.” — Rudy Van
Gelder |
| Thelonious
Monk's 1963 Newport Jazz Festival set has been released in whole or part
on several different Columbia releases, but this 2002 reissue is the
best version yet. One finally gets to hear nothing but Monk on this
edition, with the added bonus of a previously unreleased and
undocumented appearance from the 1965 festival. The earlier material,
with Charlie Rouse, Butch Warren, and Frankie Dunlop, is already very
familiar to serious Monk devotees, particularly the inspired addition
(due to the suggestion of festival producer George Wein) of clarinetist
Pee Wee Russell on two songs. |
| Remastered in
24-bit from the original master tapes. Part of our Keepnews Collection,
which spotlights classic albums originally produced by the legendary
Orrin Keepnews. For Monk’s debut Riverside date, Keepnews decided to
ease the pianist into what turned out to be his lengthy association with
the label by asking him to momentarily set aside his own compositions
and instead play Duke Ellington tunes. He did so in the company of the
esteemed rhythm section of bassist Oscar Pettiford and drummer Kenny
Clarke. With his distinctively angular style, Monk nails Ellington’s
best-known tunes such as “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That
Swing),” “Mood Indigo” and “Caravan.” |
