Search - Thelonious Monk :: At the Blackhawk

This Is Great Jazz

R. Graham | UK | 05/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A previous reviewer describes this performance as "a hurried attempt to salvage a failed session.." and goes on to direct you to other albums instead. DO NOT BE MISLEAD!



If you've an ear for music, if you love music, you will find every sense filled, every want satisfied with this wonderful album. Like the reviewer above, I am not going to tell you about the mood or health of the musicians present, or quote info out of context - these 'snippets' are generally misleading.



This is without any doubt, one of the best Monk albums out there. This is great jazz, great music, even if some of the anoraks don't see it!"

Prime Monk live

Evan Chandlee | Paris, France | 07/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the latter part of his career, Monk favored the tenor 4tet format. Notwithstanding a few recording sessions with larger groups, his audience discovered his music via the 4tet and the solos (rare in concert). This is why the 5tet in SF is so appreciated. The rhythm section comprises Monk's regular bassist at the time, the very melodic John Ore, and LA-NYC stalwart Billy Higgins, who gives a bounce and an incredibly relaxed energy to Monk's music that few if any drummers before or after were able to give him. The addition of 2 hornmen gives wings to Charlie Rouse, very much the lead in ensemble and solo. Joe Gordon, dispaying a gorgeous bebop-brass tone, and the brilliant and emotional Herb Land quickly rise to the occasion and Monk's demands: make the pianist's tunes sing. Higgins never again recorded with Monk, but it could be said that having recorded the session, Billy had made his mark with this music, because here he defined a Monkian drumming comparable to none. It sounds like he was born to this music, as though he'd played it all his life.

Of course a few of the ensembles are a little ragged - guaranteed to infuriate Monk - but these are some very happy people, "deep in a dream of Monk"."