If you've seen Dave Chappelle's Block Party then you've probably heard this guy be mentioned & praised. Well Dave wasn't kidding or joking about studying Thelonious. I've been researching & studying about Thelonious Monk for about two months now. Abstract timing which alot of present day Jazz musicans try to imitate is what make Thelonious so special. Though it's not the other aspect that makes him a standout it's probably very noticeable after hearing 2 or 3 selections performed by him. He's coined many songs that are often in jazz repertoire such as Round Midnight, Epistrophy, Blue Monk, Straight No Chaser and many more. One of the most influential jazz musician & frequently noted as a founder of Bop Jazz. Thelonious Monk passed away at the age of 64 & has been awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award & a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation.
Thelonious Monk - Round About Midnight
Thelonious Monk - Lulu's Back in Town Part 1
Thelonious Monk - Epistrophy
Any person with appreciate of the skill to make music would respect & enjoy Thelonious.
1 comment:
Dear Republic,
This is a great entry on Monk! My name is Peter Ricci, and I am a college student and writer who is currently contributing to an upstart online magazine called ‘Too Shy to Stop,’ which focuses on culture and the arts.
I came across your entry, as it would turn out, while conducting research for an essay on Thelonious Monk! I specifically look at the history and characteristics behind Monk, and argue that he personified all of the grandest traditions of jazz as an American art form.
So, check it out here (http://tooshytostop.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/the-obtuse-brilliance-of-thelonious-monk/) and leave a comment! I think you’ll enjoy it, and I always love to read input from readers.
Sincerely,
Peter Ricci
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