Thelonious Monk

[Parker]

This is pretty cool. Ideas on music from Steve Lacy, saxophonist with Monk. From The Bad Plus blog. "Don't play everything. Let some things go by." "You've got to dig it to dig it."

 

[kwilkinson]

I've got 2 Thelonius Monk cds in my car. Just incredible to listen to.

 

[Connemara]

Michael Brecker used to do a great cover of Monk's Mood in his live shows.

 

[indesertum]

thelonius monk was a melodius thunk

 

[tintindeo]

this list has been going around lately amongst musicians who have email and in some cases onto the bandstands as well...i haven't dug into it's origins as of yet, steve lacy is dead, ...so is al mckibbon, larry gales; both bassists i've worked with...john orr, ben riley, are the ones who come to my mind right away who r still a-monk-st the alive...another good checkpoint would be terry adams, leader/keyboard of NRBQ; he know many monk things !! this week, i'll be working w/gildo mahones, (piano/md for lambert, hendricks & ross ..and much more) he is one of the few left from Mintons..once in a while i get a monk memory from him..i'll show him the list..

 

[andyw]

It blew my mind when attending my daughter's high school new parents' orientation in September. On prominent display in a lobby showcase were annotated manuscripts and photos of Thelonious Monk, an alumni. The fact that this was in Stuyvesant High School in NYC was even more amazing. For out of towners, Stuy has a national academic reputation and the breeding ground for future science/ math leaders and free thinkers.

Reflecting on Monk only confirms the connection between composing music and math and why its not really a stretch for Monk to fit in that context....as crazy as he turned out to be.

 

[romafan]

There is a very cool new book of photographs by the late Baroness of Jazz, Pannonica de Koenigswarter. A Rothschild, she married more $$$ and emigrated to the U.S. in the early 1950's. A gifted amateur potographer and jazz fan, she befriended many a musician (Charlie Parker died on the couch while watching TV in her apt. at the Stanhope House, and Monk passed away while living as a guest in her NJ house many years later) and asked them what their three wishes would be. The results of her survey are included here along her remarkable collection of 'behind the scenes' pictures of jazz greats....

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wishes-I...9364323&sr=1-1

 

[Connemara]

roma, I've heard of that book. Thank you so much for reminding me. I need to get it!

 

[romafan]

Not to

, but you were reminded about the Cobras and the next day you're asking about hippyhop!

 

[mps23]

sf should have a post on monk's collection of hats.

 

[Musiclover]

Monk valued great musicianship and a dapper way of presenting his masterful skills. He displayed total dignity and integrity. I love his Music.

 

[voxsartoria]

He was pure genius.

- B

 

[tintindeo]

Originally Posted by mps23

sf should have a post on monk's collection of hats.

terry adams, pianist w/NRBQ has one, Monk's wife gave it to him...he showed it to me once; ..one of his most, if not THE prized posession in his vast array of everthing!

 

[romafan]

Originally Posted by tintindeo

terry adams, pianist w/NRBQ has one, Monk's wife gave it to him...he showed it to me once; ..one of his most, if not THE prized posession in his vast array of everthing!

One of my prized possessions is a souvenir pizza box (has a chef w/ 'NRBQ' in red pizza box script on the lid) signed by Terry, Joey, Tom & Al

 

[RedScarf7]

The documentary "Straight No Chaser" is an essential for any Monk fan.