[Dixielandjazz] Monk

[Rob McCallum]

In many ways, Monk's music has stronger OKOM ties than his fellow be-bop 
musicians.  He was obviously heavily influenced by the stride pianists.  
Also, Monk's music emphasizes melody.  I was rewatching the Burns jazz 
series yesterday and Marsalis made a comment about how "logical" Monks music 
is.  I agree entirely.  His compositions are completely logical in and of 
themselves.  He was never just "blowing on changes."  His improv was always 
related to the original melodies.  I've always thought that Monk's playing 
has much more in common with Ellington's piano style than Bud Powell's.

All the best,
Rob McCallum


>From: "Mike C." <mike at railroadstjazzwest.com>
>Reply-To: "Mike C." <mike at railroadstjazzwest.com>
>To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
>Subject: Re: [Dixielandjazz] Improving on the originals
>Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 18:43:01 -0600
>
>This joker sounds like some of Monk's original critics who were incapable 
>of accepting Monk's music for what it was.
>
>Musical Masterpieces
>
>One unique thing about Monk's music is that it will not stand any 
>tampering. When I say tampering I mean changing chords and melody notes. 
>Ron Miles demonstrated this to us in jazz combo about three years ago. It 
>was very interesting.
>
>Mike
>
>
>
>   A recent thread talked about this subject. Here is an example (?). While
> >  it's a re do of MONK, the point is made if you listen to:
> >
> >  http://www.myspace.com/hansgroinerplaysmonk
> >
> >  This can't be for real, but it unfortunately IS!
> >
> >  Mr. Groiner's rationalization (?) for what he does is:
> >
> >  "On the one hand, Mr. Monk had obvious talents, but on the other hand,
> >  his piano playing was very messy, and his songs had many funny notes 
>and
> >  rhythms. Over the many years that I have been studying his music, I 
>have
> >  grown to the conclusion that his songs would be much better, and much
> >  more popular, if many of the dissonances, or "wrong notes," were
> >  removed."
> >
> >  OH MY!
> >
> >  Wonder what he would do to the ODJB or King Oliver?
> >
> >  Cheers,
> >  Steve Barbone
> >
> >
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> >
>
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