RIP Thelonious Monk, 32 years ago today

"Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney" (braddelaparker)
02/17/2014 at 14:44 • Filed to: None

It's not April yet, but it seems inappropriate to post anything but my favorite Monk rendition on the 32nd anniversary of his death, albeit one that isn't an original of his. Perhaps the most underrated, underappreciated musician this side of some Romatic/Classical-era composer I'm unaware of.

The Beatles may have changed rock and roll, but Thelonious Monk created jazz music as you know it, that of jazz as a modern, modal artform distinct from big band, swing, and other assorted "jazz" music that generally only existed for the purpose of dancing to. Pouring one out for you, homie.

DISCUSSION (19)

thebigbossyboss > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 14:46

I appreciate Thelonious Monk, I have a couple CD's. As a fellow Jazz enthusiast, I have to ask, have you heard of Art Tatum?

505Turbeaux > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 14:47

no doubt. Guy was seriously an influence and a talent

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > thebigbossyboss
02/17/2014 at 14:49

Huge fan of Art Tatum, directly because of my studies of Monk and Tatum's influence on his sound. Bud Powell, too, as a Monk contemporary/best friend/Tatum disciple.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > 505Turbeaux
02/17/2014 at 14:52

That's one of my favorite monk clips floating around the youtubes, a choice of fine taste, sir.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 14:53

Ever given The Cinematic Orchestra a listen?

Monk is good stuff. Thanks for the soundtrack for my afternoon at work.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
02/17/2014 at 14:56

I haven't, but I like to dabble in the Brit-acid jazz scene (huge Zero 7 fan, although they fit into that genre very loosely), so I'll check that out.

505Turbeaux > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 14:57

yeah it is a good one for sure. It is a tough call whether I am more partial to Mingus or Monk. As a string bassist I love me some Mingus, but Monk was always pushing the envelope more

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 15:01

Everyday is a great album to start with.

They also made a brilliant score for the old Russian silent movie Man With A Movie Camera

They also have a great live show at the Royal Albert Hall.

thebigbossyboss > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 15:09

Tatum is just so nuts. Watching old films of him play is crazy, he barely moves his hands.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > 505Turbeaux
02/17/2014 at 15:12

I choose not to decide on that one. Mingus' legacy has been such a great ambassador for jazz music in ways that Monk's never has been able to be, and that alone is noteworthy, but the man also just slayed the bass. They're a perfect yinyang pairing for jazz.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > thebigbossyboss
02/17/2014 at 15:14

Pure, unadulterated grace, his playing was. Almost difficult to believe.

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
02/17/2014 at 15:21

I'll check it out, thanks for the recommendation, digging what I've heard so far.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney
02/17/2014 at 15:24

/mr.burns/ Excellent

I've been trying to get them a wider following on here. Glad you like them.

I've got Straight, No Chaser playing from YT in another tab. Good stuff.