Search - John Tchicai :: In Monk's Mood

Shooting star

Play it again | Moscow | 01/07/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Tchicai, master improviser, godfather of free jazz in his native country Denmark, co-worker on Coltrane's landmark Ascension session, in recent years composer of a groundbreaking church cantata (Hymn to Sophia), a true cosmopolitan and a tireless travellin jazz messenger all over the world, has blessed us with a lot of enjoyable albums through some 50 years, exhibiting versalitily, flexibility and an always positive attitude based on a deep and simple conviction about the spiritual value of sharing music regardless of conventional classifications - but this time he has outdone himself, playing Thelonious Monk ballads on alto with a Hammond B 3 organ!



The Hammond just happened to be in the studio on the scheduled day of recording and Tchicai on the spot decided to replace the piano with the organ. What a brillant idea'! The result is equally far from Monkish and souljazz clichés. It is atmospheric but not cheesy. Loyal to the material yet free.

Tchicai's experienced playing is full of authority but his tone oh so vulnerable.



I was shaken, amazed, as if I had watched a shooting star in the deep blue sky.



The man should bee honored with some prestigious prize for this one."