I used to listen to more jazz, dusted off some old favorites though this week. Story time with this album, like 7-8 years ago I rolled up solo to a show at the Village Vanguard in NYC and was seated next to another solo attendee- over some martinis we got to chatting about lots of topics, jazz being one of course, sharing recs, and he spoke very highly of this album which I hadn’t heard before. Coincidentally we even ended up at the same pizza place for a slice after it happened where our discussion continued. Shout out to you Alan you’re a real dude hope you’re doing well.
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.
I've been listening to Men I Trust, The vibes are right and it's good music for contemplation, I appreciate the poetry amongst the vintage Indie sounds
I don’t believe in ranking things- restaurants, albums, books, movies, athletes anything, top x lists whatever. I think it’s a waste of time honestly. Even with a completely objective criterion what’s the point. Would rather listen to and read people just talk about their favorite things and why they are special and meaningful to them- everyone has their own, interesting reasons. And this is a great place to do that!
