Great Showcase From A Master Pianist.
Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 06/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Master pianist Joe Bonner unveils a sterling showcase of
his fine artistry, paying mighty tribute to the immortal
Thelonious Monk with a marvelous collection of solo
performances. It is to the credit of Bonner's grand
reach and precious touch that MONKISMS is a vital
presentation breathing fresh life into many of Monk's
most beguiling compositions, known and unknown. No
Marsalis museum mummery here.
Listen to Bonner's sparkling commmand as he nimbly
fleshes out hipster walks such as "Off Minor" or
"Epistrophy", while calling down a boogie-rumbling
fire in "Blue Monk", and you understand the special
nature which has sparked this innovator over the
decades, placing him alongside the epic likes of
Woody Shaw or Pharoah Sanders. Check out the
stubbornly upfront "Ugly Beauty", or the ringingly
extensive reverence of the traditional hymn "Abide
With Me", and enjoy the sheer versatility of Bonner's
presentation.
Capri Records is proving to be one of the more
fascinating Jazz labels of recent years, offering
an array of solid material. Consider MONKISMS your
introduction to a company housing quality Music,
and a fresh look into the expressive gifts of
one of our most consistently outstanding artists."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1