a hypnotic, rollicking take on the Sound of Music classic that is anything but classic. an oft overlooked soprano sax, incredible piano vamping, all set to waltz time.
Nov 15, 2024
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I’m not a jazz buff, but this is probably my favourite jazz record that’s not vocal (I love Nina Simone and Billy Holiday). Its sort of my catch all record, I cook and clean to it, listen to it in the bath, read tarot to it, meditate to the more chill ones. It’s a very cosmic, magical record, but also sounds quite heisty at times too.
Apr 21, 2024
one of my favorite Coltrane records. I love how the quartet works together in this.
Honorable mention also to "Black Saint and The Sinner Lady" by Charles Mingus
Feb 13, 2025
Multiple versions of it in Monk's catalogue but this one -- featuring another jazz legend, John Coltrane on the sax solo/melody -- is my favorite.
Not to be too geeky about it, but what made Monk special were all of his eccentricities: dissonant melodies and unexpected chord/mode changes, using flat ninths, flat fifths, unexpected chromatic notes together. I would describe his piano-playing style as "percussive." There's a lot of noise/silence in his key-tickling.
His distinctive look included suits, hats, and sunglasses. He also had an idiosyncratic habit during performances: while other musicians continued playing, Monk would stop, stand up, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano.
He's also the second-most-recorded jazz composer in the canon, second only to "Sir Duke" Ellington.
Jul 5, 2024
