T S Monk Monk On Monk CD

MONK ON MONK is an Enhanced-CD, containing a full audio program as well as multimedia computer files. The multi-media portion includes interviews with T.S. Monk, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, and Monk's wife Nellie, as well as video footage and photos from the recording session.

For this tribute to his father, legendary pianist-composer Thelonious Monk, T.S. Monk has gathered nearly 30 of the most important figures in jazz, including Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Heath, Danilo Perez, Roy Hargrove, Wallace Roney, Geri Allen, Christian McBride, and Kevin Mahogany. But far from a free-wheeling jam-session, MONK ON MONK is a tight and swinging affair thanks to T.S.'s astute leadership and Don Sickler's arrangements in the style of Monk's large ensemble recordings.

For MONK ON MONK, T.S. chose nine tunes his father penned for family or friends. The brilliantly executed arrangements and extraordinary ensemble playing show off the intricacies of each of these jazz masterpieces. The energy level remains remarkably high from beginning to end; every solo on this album sizzles. The two tracks featuring vocals show the multidimensionality of Monk's music.

Enhanced CD;80th Birthday Trib Feat-H.Hancock,W.Shorter &More

Recorded at Van Gelder Studios in Englewood, New Jersey between February 6-27, 1997. Includes liner notes by Denise Pruitt.

Personnel: T.S. Monk (drums); Kevin Mahogany, Nnenna Freelon, Dianne Reeves (vocals); Willie Williams, Wayne Shorter (soprano & tenor saxophones); Bobby Porcelli (alto & baritone saxophones); Bobby Watson (alto saxophone); Jimmy Heath, Grover Washington Jr., Roger Rosenberg (tenor saxophone); Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone, tuba); Don Sickler, Clark Terry, Arturo Sandoval, Wallace Roney, Virgil Jones, Laurie Frink (trumpet); Roy Hargrove (flugelhorn); David Amram, John Clark (French horn); Eddie Bert (trombone); Ronnie Matthews, Herbie Hancock, Danilo Perez, Geri Allen (piano); Gary Wang, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Christian McBride (bass).

Personnel: T.S. Monk (drums); Dianne Reeves, Kevin Mahogany, Nnenna Freelon (vocals); Roy Hargrove (flageolet, flugelhorn); Wayne Shorter, Willie Williams (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Bobby Porcelli (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); Bobby Watson (alto saxophone); Roger Rosenberg (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Grover Washington, Jr., Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone); Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone, tuba); Clark Terry, Don Sickler, Dick Sickler, Wallace Roney, Laurie Frink, Arturo Sandoval, Virgil Jones (trumpet); David Amram, John Clark (French horn); Eddie Bert (trombone); Danilo Perez, Geri Allen, Herbie Hancock, Ronnie Mathews (piano).

Recording information: 02/06/1997-02/27/1997.

Photographers: Eric Ogden; David Gahr; Warren Mantooth; Chuck Stewart.

Unknown Contributor Role: Laurie Frink.

Arrangers: Don Sickler; Dick Sickler; T.S. Monk.

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.Down Beat (9/97, p.44) - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "...the verdict is no longer in doubt-[T.S. Monk] makes the grade....the guests alone that augment Monk's regular unit virtually command the highest rating....there is not enough room to highlight all the brilliant corners to this session..."