Name: Plays Duke Ellington
Brand: Thelonious Monk

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

OJC024

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "OJC024"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2015-09-17

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Unive­rsal

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

025218102414

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "025218102414"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Thelonious Monk

Genre US

Jazz

Label US

Riverside

Thelonious Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer, born on October 10, 1917 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential pianists of the twentieth century and a key figure in the development of bebop. Monk's unique improvisational style and prolific compositions have left a lasting impact on the jazz genre. Known for his dissonant harmonies, angular melodic twists, and unconventional approach to the piano, he created music that was both innovative and captivating.

In addition to his musical talents, Monk had a distinct fashion sense with his signature suits, hats, and sunglasses. His stage presence was equally unconventional; often getting up from his piano to dance while his band members continued playing. This idiosyncratic behavior drew comparisons to ring-shout and Muslim Sufi whirling. Notably, Monk is one of only five jazz musicians to be featured on the cover of Time magazine.

Thelonious Monk passed away on February 17, 1982 at the age of 64 in Weehawken, New Jersey. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy as an artist who pushed boundaries and redefined jazz music through his groundbreaking compositions and performances.

Thelonious Monk (piano/arranger) began his illustrious relationship with Riverside Records on the pair of July 21 and 27, 1955, dates needed to complete the eight sides for Plays Duke Ellington (1955). Monk commands a trio that also presents the talents of Oscar Pettiford (bass) and Kenny Clarke (drums) on all the tracks sans "Solitude," which appropriately enough features an unaccompanied piano. The delicacy and inherently intricate melodies that Duke Ellington is best known for are perfectly matched to Monk's angular and progressive interpretations. The combo are comfortable behind the pianist who remains somewhat subdued, if not arguably tentative, during the opening of "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," although by his solo, Monk eases into some nice give and take with a playful Pettiford, whose steady bounce undeniably congeals the unit's sound. Monk takes the refined grace of "Sophisticated Lady" into a virtually unsurpassed strata as his seemingly disjointed notes organically coalesce into a simply stunning, yet stark introduction, with Clarke's understated backbeat allowing room for Monk to embellish and thoroughly adorn. The dark optimism of "Black and Tan Fantasy" stands out as another perfect combination of music and musician. "I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart" is a fun little romp with Monk taking some tricky and rhythmically unanticipated side trips throughout his nimble and rollicking leads. "Caravan" is a gem as Clarke's sinuous trapwork becomes a perfect foil for Pettiford's buoyant basslines. It also reels in Monk's animated keyboard antics. Plays Duke Ellington is a recommended title for all dimension of jazz enthusiast. However, Monk and Ellington aficionados may rate it slightly higher.

Plays Duke Ellington

Music US

Buy Thelonious Monk - Plays Duke Ellington (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.