(April 2023) Episode 485 is THELONIOUS MONK, a monumental figure in the history of jazz. I concede that I can’t match the depth of appreciation that jazz-o-philes have for his work, but I appreciate the percussive, rhythmic and dissonant innovations that made him a giant on the piano. He penned so many standards (such as ‘Round Midnight, Straight No Chaser, Well You Needn’t). It’s classic jazz, but I find it neither challenges me nor provides much of an emotional resonance.
Favorite album: Monk’s Dream
Favorite late-period album (and great album cover): Underground
Favorite song: Nutty
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: you can’t really go wrong picking out any of his albums out of a hat, although the jazz connoisseurs will have their favorites
Opus Project 