Thelonious Monk
Happily, these clean, bright Craft reissues make some invaluable music glisten.
At the time of these sessions the musicians themselves were celebrating the relatively recent advent of the long-playing record.
Thelonious Monk can sound like someone skipping (or even tripping) — and yet the swing is there.
As usual with Craft Recordings reissues, these lps are impeccably produced: the silence of the recording before the music starts is almost startling, but it’s the clear sound of what follows that is most impressive.
This 1969 concert by the Thelonious Monk Quartet was produced by a high school student and recorded by his school’s janitor. It presents this particular group at its optimistic best.
From James P. Johnson to Thelonious Monk to Jason Moran, inspired mentors carry the past into the future.
So Jason Moran has decided to re-create something that is already a pinnacle of a master’s work –- something that could hardly be improved on. You could be expected to ask Why? and How?
Wondering about what to give the arts and culture lover on your gift list? No problem — the sage writers for The Arts Fuse (with an assist from our readers) come to the rescue with thoughtful suggestions.
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