Thelonious Monk
Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia
(Thelonious/Hyena)
First Appeared at The Music Box, November 2003, Volume 10, #11
Written by John Metzger
Fans of Thelonious Monk certainly have reason to celebrate. The estate of the
late pianist recently inked a deal with Hyena Records, launching a series of
previously unreleased material that begins with Monk in Paris: Live at the
Olympia. Recorded in March 1965, the seven-song set is nothing short of
astounding. Though Monk delivers two brief solo pieces — resplendent renditions
of Body and Soul and April in Paris — it’s the ensemble outings
that make this collection worth seeking. The reason is simple: It perfectly
showcases the group’s near telepathic ability — particularly on the exquisite
final trilogy of Well You Needn’t, Bright Mississippi, and
Epistrophy — as the rattle of a snare drum and the thump of a bass precisely
accent and intermingle with Monk’s playful flights and sophisticated chords, not
to mention with saxophonist Charlie Rouse’s stylishly freewheeling solos. The
result is an organic exchange of concepts and ideas that encompasses the very
definition of jazz and improvisational music. Also included is a three-song DVD,
which captures the same band performing in Oslo, Norway 13 months later. While
it’s not as musically solid as the Paris material, it still manages to highlight
the genius of Monk, while giving one a taste of his enormous stage presence.
Indeed, one can see his mind at work, even as he stands by the side of his
piano, listening to his musical partners play. Without a doubt, Monk in
Paris: Live at the Olympia is not to be missed. 
Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia is available from Barnes & Noble.
To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2003 The Music Box