The Jazz Show Episode January 30, 2017

Pianist/composer Thelonious Monk: "Underground"

9:05pm - 12:35am

Thelonious Monk had a long and productive contract with Columbia records but in 1968 it was coming to an end. Soon after his saxophonist of 11 years, Charlie Rouse was leaving and Monk's health was a bit fragile as well. This was the penultimate Columbia album and the final documentation of Monk's working Quartet. The album was called "Underground" and it's iconic cover won more awards and attention than the fine music therein. The album featured some brand new compositions by Monk and 3 delightful trio tracks without Rouse. One rare track was with vocalist Jon Hendricks who sung his words to Monk's tune "In Walked Bud". That in itself was something very new for Monk. The 3 full Quartet tracks with Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums are superb and the 3 tracks are all brand new Monk compositions. "Boo Boo's Birthday" is for Monk's daughter Barbara and a wonderful ballad in 3/4 time (Monk's only waltz) is called "Ugly Beauty" and the best is "Green Chimneys" in which the band stretches out for 13 minutes.This is one fine album and was recorded in December 1967 to February 1968. Check it out this evening or when you have time...it's worth it!

Track Listing:

Thelonious
Thelonious Monk · Underground
Raise Four
Thelonious Monk · Underground
Easy Street
Thelonious Monk · Underground
Boo Boo's Birthday
Thelonious Monk · Underground
Ugly Beauty
Thelonious Monk · Underground
Green Chimneys
Thelonious Monlk · Underground
In Walked Bud
Thelonious Monk · Underground
You For me
Tubby Hayes · The New York Sessions
A Pint of Bitter
Tubby Hayes · The New York Sessions
Half a Sawbuck
Tubby Hayes · The New York Sessions
Stitt's Tune
Roland Kirk with Tubby Hayes · Tubby's Back In Town
I See With My Third "I"
Roland Kirk with Tubby Hayes · Tubby's Back In Town
A Night At Tony's
Art Blakey Plus Four · Art Blakey Second Edition
Social Call
Art Blakey Plus Four · Art Blakey Second Edition
Forgotten Love
Mike Nock · Ondas
Autumn Leaves
Cannonball Adderley · Nippon Soul
The Weaver
Cannonball Adderley · Nippon Soul
Bohemia After Dark
Cannonball Adderley · Nippon Soul