Monk's Music

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ALBUM INFORMATION
EDITOR'S PICK

Total Tracks: 8   Total Length: 48:17

eMusic Review

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Harvey Pekar

eMusic Contributor

04.22.11
A key collaboration of jazz masters
2001 | Label: Fantasy / Riverside

A Monk favorite of mine is Monk's Music, done by at most seven pieces; "Ruby My Dear" has only tenorman Coleman Hawkins plus a rhythm section. John Coltrane also appears on tenor, Gigi Gryce on alto, Ray Copeland on trumpet, with drummer Art Blakey and bassist Wilbur Ware in the rhythm section. There's one new Monk tune here, the lovely "Crespuscule With Nellie," but some old favorites turn up: "Well You Needn't," "Off Minor" and "Epistrophy." Everybody works hard. Hawkins, who employed Monk in 1944, reunites with him and it's a pleasure to hear them together. Hawkins displays power and romanticism, but he's such an intelligent improviser as well. It's great just to hear his note selection. Copeland, Gryce and Coltrane solo on "Well You Needn't" and "Epistrophy," and both fragment their lines creatively; their solos are like mosaics. Copeland plays loudly, clearly, coherently and inventively. Monk solos great, and he, Ware and Blakely make an excellent rhythm section.

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No doubt!

TBroz

The truth behind this album, is that it is badass. Powerful! And that's all you need to know. I've owned it for a long time and is only now starting to hit me more than ever. So if you're not feeling it, sit on it for a little while and then give it another shot. Jazz can be like that.

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my first

space2k.net

My first taste of Monk. I heard "Well, You Needn't" and had to have it. Still my favorite and a great place to start with this mad genius' music.

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The best?

Maubus

Some consider this to be the best record by Monk. It is at least a good place to start to discover his music.

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They Say All Media Guide

Monk’s Music is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk’s six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. Although the original disc clocked in at slightly over 30 minutes, packed into that half hour are not only the introduction of a few of Monk’s signature compositions, but also some amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Thelonious Monk (piano) during these two recording sessions are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums). The true meaning of the album’s title exists beyond just Thelonious, as the opening sacred prelude, “Abide With Me,” was written by William H. Monk. This brief piece features only the horn quartet, foreshadowing their importance throughout the album. The angular stride style featured during the chorus of “Well You Needn’t” is tackled with the same nimble authority as Monk’s completely unfettered solos. If his ability to swing and his utilization of atomic clock accuracy have ever been questioned, the answer lies no further. So utterly free and fantastic, certain passages command immediate review to be fully comprehended. Hearing Coltrane and Hawkins together is admittedly part of the charm in these sides. “Ruby, My Dear” is bathed in the smoky essence of Hawkins’ rich textures and Coltrane’s playful cat-and-mouse aggression. Blakey gently propels the rhythm, never getting in the way and sporting a serene snare groove throughout. “Off Minor” is largely led by Monk, with solos that follow into and out of the memorable chorus that sparkles with the full involvement of the horn and rhythm sections. The same is true for this definitive version of “Epistrophy” — perhaps the zenith collaborative effort between Coltrane and Monk. Additionally, Blakey is in top form, with a solo that borders on spastic precision. – Lindsay Planer

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