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Reviews: Thelonious Monk: 5 by Monk by 5

Reviews: 3

Review by ramossp February 11, 2003 (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
A fantastic SACD and another great reissue from Analoge Productions, this albulm swings like only Monk can. While an unusual lineup for Monk (his only recording as a rythym, trumpet, tenor quintet) the albulm is nonetheless classic Thelonious: choppy, disonant, and yet somehow just right. The record features two new (at its time) compositions, "Jackie-ing" and "Played Twice" in addition to reworkings of three older Monk works "I Mean You", "Ask Me Now", and the Monk classic "Straight, No Chaser". Of these, "Ask Me Now" stands as the sole ballad, and works as a nice change of pace in the context of an otherwise fairly upbeat group of recordings. All the performances are solid, with special guest Thad Jones (of Count Basie fame) stealing the show on a couple of numbers (check out his intrepretation of "Straight, No Chaser" for a real treat). The sound, as one would expect from a $25 Analoge Productions SACD, is first rate, with a huge soundstage and a generousity of tone that is a testament to the fantastic tube mastering job. There are some analoge tape artifacts and distortions that hint at the age of the recording, and perhaps a little too much reverb on Jones' Cornet, but overall a very impressive mix. Highly recomended for any Monk or jazz fan.

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Review by JW July 28, 2003 (1 of 3 found this review helpful)
Performance:   Sonics:
Sebastian's review below reflects my feelings about this disc. This was Monk's one but last album for Riverside. Both Thad Jones on Cornet and Charlie Rouse on tSax are featured prominently here. This album swings (check out 'I Mean You' for example) and the contrast between that and Monk's angular style is very interesting. Even more than with his other album "Straight, No Chaser" you can imagine the initial confusion, rejection and later acceptation of his genius. By the time he composed this album however, folks were getting used to Monk and his recognition as a great artist was accepted. SNC was recorded 7 years after this (you can check out my review of SNC) and perhaps reflects a different and more polished (for lack of a better word) Monk.


Jw

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Review by DeSelby April 20, 2005 (1 of 5 found this review helpful)
Sonics:
stereo sonics: very good old sound

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