Solo Monk

1. Dinah

2. I Surrender, Dear

3. Sweet and Lovely

4. North of the Sunset

5. Ruby, My Dear

6. I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)

7. I Hadn't Anyone Till You

8. Everything Happens to Me

9. Monk's Point

10. I Should Care

11. Ask Me Now

12. These Foolish Things

13. Introspection [#]

Solo Monk,Thelonious Monk,Sony,Bop,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music

Jazz

Music

jazz

Tracks:

Delibes: Lakmé- Où va la jeune hindoue (Bell song)
Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann- Les oiseaux dans la
Meyerbeer: Le Pardon de Ploërmel- Ombre légère4-5.
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette- Ah! Je veux vivre dans le
Chabrier: Le Roi melgré lui- Il est un vieux chant de
Donizetti: La Fille du régiment- Salut à la France9-12.
Offenbach: Orphée aux Enfers- Duo de la mouche
Offenbach: Robinson Crusoë- Conduisez-mois vers celui

Tracks:

Mozart: Popoli di Tessaglia!
Handel: Delirio amoroso- Per te lasciai la luce
R. Straus: Ariadne auf Naxos- Groβmachtige Prinzessin
J. Strauss: Frühlingsstimmenwalzer
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Alabiev: Salavieï (The Nightingale)
StravinskY: Le Rossignol- Song of the Nightingale
Ave Maria from the original soundtrack of the film `Merry
Monk/Nougaro: `Round Midnight'
Bernstein: Candide- Glitter and be gay

Customer Reviews:

One of Two Versions.......2007-01-31

This excellent 2-disc version has 18 tracks.

Another version, containing 26 tracks, is available on iTunes for $19.98. It contains additional tracks from Lucie de Lammermoor and Die Zauberflote (Der Holle Rache should not be missed!).

Wonderful introduction to "The Art of Dessay".......2007-01-21

Natalie Dessay's "The Miracle of the Voice" is a welcome addition to the recording oeuvre. She covers much territory in this 2 CD work--from Offenbach to Donizetti to Gounod to Delibes to Massenet to Stravinsky and Bernstein (Candide). I'll mention sample selections below, rather than going through each one separately.

She shows the ability to do well in the bel canto repertoire, featuring an agile, light voice that can get to the high notes and master coloratura techniques (trills and so on). In "The Bell Song" from Delibes "Lakme," her clear voice handles this work well. Fleming and Sutherland have darker voices; Dessay's is quite a bit lighter, more typical of what we think of as a coloratura voice (even though coloratura singing is manifest from basses to sopranos). She demonstrates nice trills and an ability to hit high notes accurately. In "Olympia's Song" from Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffman," she captures nicely the "mechanical" voice of her character. Once more, nice trills and agility with the notes.

Of course, the "Mad Scene" from Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" (here, sung in French) is prime coloratura territory. Dessay essays this nicely. In the slower earlier parts of this long scene, she shows a certain pathos, appropriate for a young woman who has gone mad over love and betrayal. When she gets to what in Italian would be "Spargi d'amaro pianto," she does well. Again, she exemplifies agile vocal technique. The second time through, she displays nice ornamentation. Given that she can trill well, it is somewhat surprising that this technique is not deployed better and more often. Nonetheless, well done.

From Mozart's "Die Zauberflote," Dessay takes on The Queen of the Night's "Der Holle Rache." Again, well done. She hits the high notes easily and without strain (not something that all sopranos can say). And now for something completely different. . . . Johann Strauss' "Fruhlingsstimmenwalzer." A delightful romp. A Strauss waltz. Nice vocal technique. One wonders if Dessay could not have made this more "fun," since it is a waltz. Nonetheless, this is an easy and pleasant "listen." I once heard (is my memory correct on the name?) Theresa Stich-Randall sing this, and the effect was similar.

Stravinsky's "Song of the Nightingale" from "Le Rossignol" is another change of pace. Nessay shows the range of her repertoire with this piece. Thelonius Monk's "'Round Midnight" was adopted for the French language here, with Claude Nougaro joining Dessay on vocals. Another interesting departure from the earlier operatic sound--an engaging piece. Her operatic skills do not overwhelm this song or work against Nougaro's voice. Finally, Leonard Bernstein's "Glitter and Be Gay" from "Candide." This is a credible effort at somewhat lighter music, while she still exhibits the vocal skills that she has.

This is the first CD from Dessay that I have listened to. It won't be the last. A remarkable range of singing, done well across a variety of genres. This is a good introduction to the art of Dessay for those who have not heard her before.

Average customer rating:

Solo Monk - Thelonious Monk
Private Recital
Solo piano performances.
Solo Monk
Not an absolute essential, but a lovely album nonetheless

Solo Monk
Thelonious Monk
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Criss-Cross
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Straight, No Chaser

ASIN: B0000AVHBN
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

Dinah (Take 2)
I Surrender, Dear
Sweet And Lovely (Take 2)
North Of The Sunset
Ruby, My Dear (Take 3)
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)
I Hadn't Anyone Till You
Everything Happens To Me (Take 3)
Monk's Point
I Should Care
Ask Me Now (Take 2)
These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)
Introspection
Darn That Dream
Dinah (Take 1)
Sweet And Lovely (Take 1)
Ruby, My Dear (Take 1)
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) (Take 1)
I Hadn't Anyone Till You (Take 2)
Everything Happens To Me (Retake 1)
Ask Me Now (Take 1)

Customer Reviews:

Solo Monk - Thelonious Monk.......2006-03-08

This is perfection. Monk alone playing classics and favorites. It would be difficult to be in a bad mood while or after listening to this CD. It is pure Monk!

Private Recital.......2006-02-13

I knew of Monk's solo work but wasn't familiar with it. I was expecting a lot of flashy pyrotechnics on this CD - one of those that could be technically impressive but could also be a difficult listen. How wrong I was.

Imagine, in 1964, if you had the opportunity to have Thelonious Monk play a private recital at your home. Imagine further if you asked him to just play what he felt like playing for his own enjoyment. That's what this CD feels (and sounds) like.

This takes you by surprise right from the start with "Dinah", a tribute to rag delivered without any hint of irony. If the playing on "I'm Confessin'" doesn't boost your spirits, you might want to check in to a mental health facility. Overall, this is like a brief history of jazz up to that point - delivered effortlessly and affectionately. Essential.

Solo piano performances........2005-10-06

Hearing Thelonious Monk as a solo pianist is always a unique experience-- his style, always rather unique in its use of space and rhythm, picks up a delicate stride feel to it when presented without other instruments. After four quartet albums, in late 1964 Columbia record Monk in a solo context, on an album cleverly called "Solo Monk". This reissue augments the original twelve song album with nine bonus tracks, creating a rather extensive set.

The album itself is the usual blend of Monk originals and standards-- Monk's stride (and to a lesser extent ragtime) influences come out clearly through many fo the standards he tackles, with fantastic takes of "Dinah" and "I'm Confessin' (That I Love You)" being deep in the stride tradition (although there is definitely something very Monkish about them. Comparing these to the very Monkish "I Surrender, Dear" or the extraordinarily fractured "I Should Care" shows the real breadth of Monk's talents as a pianist. The originals include two pieces never before recorded-- "North of the Sunset" and "Monk's Point". Both are similar (Bb blues with stride execution), neither are particularly revalatory. Readings of "Ask Me Now" and "Ruby, My Dear" fare much better. The former has both a deliberate and sensitive feel to it. The latter is one of those pieces I can just never get sick of, it's one of my favorites by Monk and is rendered beautifully.

The bonus tracks are kind of a mixed bag-- seven are alternates of material that was issued on the LP-- some of these are interesting and you wonder why Monk picked the take he did rather than the one on here ("Ruby, My Dear"), some of them clearly find Monk fumbling a bit and trying to work out his ideas ("Dinah", "Sweet and Lovely"). A pair of pieces that weren't included on the original LP are also included here-- Monk original "Introspection" gets a tentative reading, probably left off because Monk never quite finished his thought. "Darn That Dream" is fairly unique in that it gets a pretty straight reading, Monk drives through the theme several times without much of his usual style.

A note-- the remastered sound is superb. Make sure you get the variant of this without the purplish/blue edge (that was the old issue and won't sound nearly as nice).

"Solo Monk" is not the best of Monk's solo performances ("Thelonious Himself" on Riverside gets my vote on that), but its a decent record.

Solo Monk.......2005-07-03

I recently acquired this cd from my local indepedent record store. This is a wonderful cd. There is not much I can say. I am a pianist myself, and it is enlightening to see how this brilliant composer/player plays the piano. His style is completely unique. Thelonius Monk is one of my favourite jazz artists. I recommend this to anybody who has any interest in jazz.

Not an absolute essential, but a lovely album nonetheless.......2005-03-16

Have you ever noticed that when people describe an album as "rainy day music," the music is always sad? Why are rainy days supposed to be sad? Maybe they're the perfect time for rest & reflection. If you agree, you'll probably like this album. Every record Thelonious Monk released showcased his genius as a jazz pianist. His "Solo Monk" album was one of the few works he released where he performs without any accompaniment. Monk was a pianist who avoided long, machine-gun solos, preferring instead to explore natural melody through a song's chord progression. Instead of showing off, Monk loved to just play chords. Simplicity was his preference. Each tune on this album can sound at times as if Monk is playing the same refrain over and over again. In theory, he is; but what he does with each tune is expand its rhythms and play with the song's structure.

Being an album of nothing but solo piano, this is laid-back jazz -- almost classical in a way. For some this will sound like background music for dinner or cocktails, or maybe bedtime or dishwashing music. Once hearing this though, you wouldn't argue that this is a nice, relaxing album of beautiful jazz piano balladry. His performance is reminiscent of a time when the piano man behind the bar wasn't playing music to entertain you, but was playing to describe how you already felt. Relaxing, easy and still sharp in its rhythms.

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
An American Voice of the Century
An Essential Barber Disc
Price sings songs and arias written for her!!!
Fab voice, OK music

Leontyne Price Sings Barber

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Barber: Knoxville Summer of 1915/Dover Beach/Hermit Songs/Adromache's Farewell
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Hermit Songs: High Voice
In Concert

ASIN: B000003FNF
Release Date: 1994-05-10

Tracks:

Hermit Songs, Op.29: At Saint Patrick's Purgatory
Hermit Songs, Op.29: Church Bell At Night
Hermit Songs, Op.29: Saint Ita's Vision
Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Heavenly Banquet
Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Crucifixion
Hermit Songs, Op.29: Sea-Snatch
Hermit Songs, Op.29: Promiscuity
Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Monk And His Cat
Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Praises Of God
Hermit Songs, Op.29: The Desire For Hermitage
Sleep Now, Op. 10, No. 2
The Daises, Op. 2, No. 1
Nocturne, Op. 13, No. 4
Nuvoletta, Op. 25
Knoxville: Summer Of 1915
Antony And Cleopatra: Give Me Some Music
Antony And Cleopatra: Give Me My Robe

Amazon.com

Early in her career, Leontyne Price formed an artistic liaison with Samuel Barber that resulted in his composing the female lead in Antony and Cleopatra for her. The disastrous premiere of that opera prevented Price from making a complete recording--a tragic loss in my opinion. She did record excerpts, however, and we at least have this disc to document these and the many other Barber works that she performed with incomparable artistry. Opera singing being what it is, Price didn't often have the chance to sing in English, so these performances are not only historically important, they are uniquely communicative as well. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-28

Samuel Barber(1910-1981), an American composer who studied piano, composition and singing at the prestigious Curtis Institute in Philadelphia, Pa. His works adhered largely to a lyrical, Romantic style within a loosely Classical framework. He left a rich legacy of more than 100 songs(only 37 published) and 3 operas in addition to many instrumental works...
Only a few of Barber's song texts come from American sources; more often he chose the work of Irish or English writers. He was drawn to 'Knoxville: Summer of 1915', a reflection of the American poet James Agee, because for him it vividly evoked his own childhood. With hints of blues and gently shifting rhythms, "Knoxville" is a mature expression of Barber's artistry as a musical poet and a master of orchestral color.
"The Hermit Songs" were first performed by Leontyne Price, soprano, with the composer at the piano at the Library of Congress, Washington,D.C..pn October 30, 1953. They are a setting of anonymous Irish texts of the eighth to thirteenth centuries written by monks and scholars. They are small poems,thoughts or observations, some very short, and speak in straightforward, droll, and often surprisingly modern terms of the simple life these men led, close to nature, to animals and to God.
I think a brief quote from one of my favorite of these Hermit songs sums up the kind of prose contained in most all of them: from 'The Monk and his Cat' :Pangur, white Pangur, How happy we are Alone together, Scholar and cat. Each has his own work to do daily; for you it is hunting, for me study......'
The music on this disc is well executed, and if you are a Barber advocate, it's a great collection of his song material. I happen to like MOST of his music, but it's for me a 'mood ' thing. He was born very close to where I live, so I guess I feel a kinship of sorts. I do think that he is one of the 'greats' in contemporary music!

An American Voice of the Century.......2005-10-09

While there is no question that Leontyne's opulent voice - here young and lustrous in the "Hermit Songs" recital (1953!) would have been a magnet for any composer, her affinity for Barber is clear, and his for her. The studio recording of the "Hermit Songs" has a better acoustic, but this one is just as thrilling in interpretation, and a bit less studied - and it has the two James Joyce settings, as well.
The "Knoxville" is beautifully judged - soft and swinging to start, then opening up into the drama and poetry of the middle and late sections. The Eleanor Steber original commission will always set the standard, but Price expands it that much farther, with longer phrases, and an ineffable langour that both she and Steber identified as the "Southern" stamp on this music. It's universal, as far as I am concerned, but it exalts and breaks the heart at the same time. Agee and Barber drink from the same fountain here.
I have never heard the entire "Anthony & Cleopatra", again written for Price, so I can't judge the work as a whole, just these two numbers. I have a special affection for the first scene, however - "Give Me Some Music" shows Price, in her absolute vocal prime, complete mistress of color and mood, and the motive, "My man of men" reappears in her final, regal, death scene. When she sings "O happy horse/ who bears the weight of Antony!" - I swear, my hair curls, no matter how many times I hear it.
In short, gotta have it.

An Essential Barber Disc.......2002-03-13

What a fabulous collection of music by Samuel Barber. Leontyne Price is at her absolute best in the songs. The entire Hermit Songs are here with four others. These recordings are of particular interest since Ms. Price performs with Samuel Barber at the piano. It is interesting to compare these recordings to the latter ones sung by Cheyrl Studer with John Browning at the piano for tempo changes.

The recording of Knoxville: Summer of 1915 is arguable the best of those available. Ms. Price sings with great sensitivity and Thomas Schippers and the New Philharmonia provide excellent support. Ms. Price said that Knoxville reminded her of her own childhood, and her commitment to the music comes through. I have the recording of Knoxville sung by Eleanor Steber, who commissioned this work, but I have always regarded the Price recording as the one to have.

The two excerpts from Antony and Cleopatra are of great interest since Ms. Price sang the role of Cleopatra at the premiere in 1966. Her performance here, also conducted by Schippers, is wonderful. The transfer to CD of these recordings is excellent. Perhaps the only down side is that the Hermit Songs were performed before an audience so there is applause between each song. After a while, this becomes monotonous. This disc is a must for anyone interested in Barber's music, and in particular for Knoxville.

Price sings songs and arias written for her!!!.......2001-12-05

This CD on which Leontyne Price memorializes many of the songs and arias composed by Sam Barber with her in mind should be in every collection of those who appreciate Barber's vocal music and the magnificent voice of one of the world's greatest singers of the 20th century. The collaboration of Barber and Price on the "Hermit Songs" and others reveals the composer's affection for the singer and the singer's understanding of the dramatic intent of the word and music. Alone, Price's interpretation of "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" is worth the price of the CD; it is singularly exquisite and cannot be matched! Price brings unmatched beauty, power, and understanding to the arias from "Anthony and Cleopatra" -- an opera composed with her voice in mind. It is indeed sad that Price never recorded "Vanessa," nor the song cycle "Despite and Still," nor the hauntingly beautiful "Sure on this Shining Night." You will not be disappointed if you buy this CD.

Fab voice, OK music.......2001-08-07

What is it that everyone seems to adore about Samuel Barber's music for voice. The man clearly wrote some absolutely divine orchestral pieces, there's no disputing that. But his vocal work seems to be lackluster. Hermit Songs is an example of modern classical music at it's worst. Disjointed, unmelodic, and difficult to follow. Price who's diction is fabulous on the later Knoxville piece is mushy durin the Hermit Songs, her voice is young and fresh, but not particularly glorious. She does deserve praise however for her promotion of American Music

Knoxville 1915 is a much better piece than Hermit songs and has more lyrical moments, but it still sounds so modern. If it has just been an orchestral piece it might've been fabulous but that is unfortunately not the case. It's almost as if Barber wrote a piece for orchestra and wrote a seperate piece for voice and just joined them, whether they made sense together or not. Unlike Hermit Songs, Price's performance more than makes up for the lack of brilliance in the music. Her diction is amazingly clear, even Callas would be jealous and her voice soars, where the music allows her to at least.

The selections from A+C are worty enough, another unreal performance by Price, one wonders if there was a better interpretor of American Music ever, maybe Steber. These works are more traditional sounding and thus go over better, but they seem a bit bland, without Price infusing them with energy this listener would have lost interest

Average customer rating:

How can you call these "Hymns"

wonderful collection of magnificent music

Flawed but enjoyable

Hymns through the Centuries

A must own for classic church music lovers

Hymns Through the Centuries
J. Reilly Lewis , Cathedral Choral Society , William Gardiner , Johannes Cruger , Melchior Teschner , William Henry Monk , Virgil Thomson , George Elvey , Thomas Hastings , and John [composer] Goss
Manufacturer: Gothic Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Abide With Me

Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral

ASIN: B00003XB8M
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Tracks:

When In Our Music God Is Glorified
Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life
O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded
All Glory, Laud And Honor
Abide With Me; Fast Falls The Eventide
My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me
Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven
Come, Risen Lord
Carillon Hymn: St. Peter
Eternal Father, Strong To Save
Amazing Grace! How Sweet The Sound
Holy, Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty
Nearer, My God, To Thee
Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind
In Christ There Is No East Or West
Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Word Of God, Come Down On Earth
The Church's One Foundation
God Of Our Fathers
Father, In Thy Gracious Keeping
Peal Bells

Customer Reviews:

How can you call these "Hymns".......2006-08-05

Not to harp on anyone here, but it's obvious that none of you grew up in a church or environment that had a good choir. I know, a Hymn is a genre of music, but a recording of a hymn isn't one if it doesn't contain HARMONY. If they're a "choir," then why don't the tenors sing a different note than the sopranos, altos, and basses? The organist is quite good, I'll admit, but you're wasting your time if you're looking for a good recording of these beautiful songs that were COMPOSED with harmony, not unison. If they want to sing in unison like this, they need to be stripped of their "choir" status and simply be called a "group."

wonderful collection of magnificent music.......2006-01-18

Most everything on this CD is very well done. The recording environment might have been less than perfect, but that shouldn't dimish one's enjoyment very much. Most of the arrangements are very traditional, with the notable exception of Amazing Grace, which though it isn't terrible, it isn't very good either. Some songs had verses removed, which is understandable, though it was poorly done in Eternal Father, Strong to Save -- they did verse 1 ("Eternal Father"), then they skipped(!!!) verse 2 ("O Christ, the Lord") and went on to the final verses ("Holy Spirit" and "O Trinity") -- which is skipping Someone important! However, outside of that, it was excellent.

If you like sacred music, or hymns, then you'll thoroughly enjoy this CD. If you're a Christian, you should enjoy this as well, no matter your taste in music (and you might just learn to like hymns as well!). It is a well-chosen set of some of the most magnificent, God-honoring music of all time, done is a mostly very traditional manner, and it was done well.

Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-15

The huge size and reverberating acoustics of Washington National Cathedral make it difficult to hear any kind of live choral performance clearly, even if you're sitting in the front rows in the nave. The Cathedral Choral Society is handicapped by having to record in this acoustically mushy space, and it shows in this CD, often creating an uneven balance between the organ and the chorus as noted by other reviewers. The repertoire is well-chosen, but the quality of the arrangements is uneven. Too often, the chorus seems to be singing in unison right out of the Hymnal, like any parish church choir at an ordinary Sunday service. Certain pieces do suggest the heights which the Society is capable of attaining. But the group never achieves the splendor that the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys displays every Sunday morning. Just when the Society seems to be getting there, the conductor pulls them back. And the shrill folk arrangement of "Amazing Grace" will have you covering your ears as the sopranos shriek clumsily, confusing volume with fervor.

Hymns through the Centuries.......2002-03-18

This is not a review. I just have a question. Does "Hymns through the Centuries" contain the hymn "It is Well with my Soul?" Thanks.

A must own for classic church music lovers.......2002-02-16

I purchased this CD just based on the titles and am very glad I did. There are only two downsides to the album. First is the fact that there isn't a companion CD with 26 more hymns! Second is picky, but I do agree with another rater that the organ could have been a little louder related to the singing. Hope you enjoy listening!

Monk Alone: The Complete Solo Studio Recordings of Thelonious Monk 1962-1968

Average customer rating:

Most Expressive.
Blue Label
Solo Piano....By MONK!
Great and sometimes difficult music that grows on you.
Sparse setting, but haunting beauty that grows on you...

Monk Alone: The Complete Solo Studio Recordings of Thelonious Monk 1962-1968
Thelonious Monk
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000007NAC
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Body And Soul (Remake Take 2)
Just A Gigolo (Take 1)
Don't Blame Me (Remake Take 1)
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Take 3)
Memories Of You (Take 1)
I Love You Sweetheart Of All My Dreams (Take 2)
I Surrender, Dear (Take 1)
Sweet And Lovely (Take 2)
Everything Happens To Me (Take 3)
I Should Care (Take 1)
North Of The Sunset (Take 1)
These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) (Take 3)
I Hadn't Anyone Till You (Take 4)
Dinah (Take 2)
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) (Take 2)
Monk's Point (Take 1)
Ask Me Now (Take 2)
Ruby, My Dear (Take 3)

Tracks:

'Round Midnight (Take 2)
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (Take 1)
This Is My Story, This Is My Song (Take 1)
Introspection (Take 4)
Darn That Dream (Take 1)
Body And Soul (Remake Take 3)
Body And Soul (Take 3)
Don't Blame Me (Take 1)
I Love You Sweetheart Of All My Dreams (Take 1)
Sweet And Lovely (Take 1)
Everything Happens To Me (Take 1)
Everything Happens To Me (Take 2)
I Hadn't Anyone Till You (Take 2)
Dinah (Take 1)
I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) (Take 1)
Ask Me Now (Take 3)
Everything Happens To Me (Take 3)
Introspection (Take 3)
Ruby, My Dear (Take 1)

Amazon.com

Fact: Thelonious Monk is one of the most important composers--jazz or otherwise--of this century. Not only did Monk help invent the music we now call be-bop, but he also introduced jazz music to the avant-garde, setting the table for a tradition unmatched in American music. Monk's legacy is unquestioned and his melodies echo through almost every genre of music to this day. Yet one thing Thelonious never got enough credit for was his piano playing. Monk developed a halting, stop-start style as unique and singular as his compositions. While melodies seemed to drop from Monk's fingers, he also spiced his tunes with left-field plinks and plunks, blistering right-handed runs and thunderous left handed slams.

On Monk Alone: The Complete Solo Studio Recordings of Thelonious Monk 1962-1968, a two-CD collection, the genius of Monk is plainly evident. Monk can ache with what he called "ugly beauty" while also adding his own inventions to standards. The highlight of this collection, besides the wonderful liner notes and detailed discographic info, are 14 previously unreleased tracks, including alternate takes of Monk masterpieces like "Ruby, My Dear," "Introspection," and "Ask Me Now." A must-have. --S. Duda

Customer Reviews:

Most Expressive........2005-11-07

He strikes deeply, full of sauce and elegant on the groove; piano singing strong, sweet and loving with all the sobering clarity of one who blends all tonalities into the broadest harmonies. Forever modern, heedless of trendsetting, he strides tradition freely in hand with all the care and vision of one defying the blandness of blind convention.
Step into the world of master artist Thelonious Monk, and embrace the melody and mystique that was his to command. For those who've gotten a solid taste of The High Priest via Blue Note's acclaimed Carnegie Hall Concert release featuring Monk and John Coltrane, I'll just say that MONK ALONE is the musical epitome of what constitutes a full-course meal!
A complete collection of his Columbia Records studio recordings for solo piano, the 2 CD collection is a stunning portrait of a genius at work. At once relaxing to the soul and a challenging call to the heart and ears, this 1962-1968 journey is a cavalcade of timeless ballads and standards
-many of them Monk's own- which the pianist plays with ringing authority and consummate touch.

One would expect marvelous renditions of "'Round Midnight" and "Ruby My Dear", and Monk delivers; granting us a precious view into the emotional dexterity of a great composer's mind. Equally precious are the performances of lesser-known original gems such as Introspection and "Ask Me Now", and the bravura renditions of standard-bearers such as "I'm Confessin' That I Love You", "Dinah", and the immortal ballad "Body and Soul".
Puckish rumination fires up the stride of "Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea", which proves a wry summation of how most Americans view Monk (and most of Jazz, for that matter!), to say nothing of how The High Priest dealt with much of the world, in turn. For sheer heartache and irresistible imploring, try "Everything Happens To Me", and perhaps the times in which we live will become a tad more tangible.
To gain a sterling peek into the master's roots, pull up a chair and just breathe in the humble spirituality of the devoutly-rendered "This Is My Story, This Is My Song", the wistful chestnut breeze whistling through Eubie Blake's "Memories Of You", or the sunny afternoon testimony of "I Love You Sweetheart (Of All My Dreams)".

Always, throughout this priceless, tuneful journey strolls the supple,
steady walk of The Blues, posing
an affirming grasp upon all to be
sung, and all to come...

Blue Label.......2005-05-22

When Richard Cook and Brian Morton reviewed this set for their Penguin Guide to Jazz, they wrote: "This is an essential purchase, uncategorizable and resistant to the adjectival attentions of critics." I agree completely.

A lot has been said about this music, and about its value and appeal. I think most critics miss the point. You can't compare this to solo recordings by Bill Evans or Oscar Peterson. There's no point of reference. This is thick, heavy music. It isn't meant to be played for an hour, straight through. It's something else.

Sit down with a pair of headphones, and play two or three tracks. Come back tomorrow, and play a couple more. That's the only way to listen to this music. There's incredible depth and dimension here, and you'll discover new beauty on each pass. This isn't water, and it sure as hell isn't beer. It's Blue Label scotch. It's meant for slow sipping.

Monk was unique. He was a genius, but he was also on a completely different wavelength. I would never disparage albums like the It Club -- but there's no question Monk was at his best when sitting alone at a piano, unfettered by the burden of bandmates. The result was his vision, pure and unfiltered, and music which easily stands beside Bach and Beethoven.

Solo Piano....By MONK!.......2005-04-07

My first introduction to Monk after the Ken Burns Jazz cd set was the Columbia years box and when I saw that there were songs of just Thelonious Monk playing piano, I was thinking foolishly and kind of blew them off, thinking it would get boring.....BOY...WAS I WRONG!! Yeah, Monk is that good a pianist. My favorite on this is his solo recording of his most beautiful song, 'Round Midnight, from November of 1968, is so hauntingly beautiful. It sounds more raggy than the Miles Davis version and has a beautiful ending. He had a sort of raggy swing to his piano playing and that was one of the reasons this recording is just about as entertaining as it would be if he had the Rouse, or even, dare I say, the Coltrane quartet with him. I wouldn't really advise this one if you are new to Monk or jazz. If you are new to Monk and are on a budget, get Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane or Monk's Dream, but if you are a big Monk fan like me or just a lover of beautiful piano playing, jazz or even classical, get this, and no need to thank me because you will probably be speechless anyway.

Great and sometimes difficult music that grows on you........2004-10-13

This is a big collection of Monk solo material, culled from his Columbia tenure and the albums "Monk's Dream," "Criss Cross," "It's Monk's Time," "Straight, No Chaser" and the rarity, "Always Know." It also contains every song on the "Solo Monk" LP as well as 14 unreleased tracks and rejected takes, many of which will only be of interest to collectors and completists.

Some reviewers have said that this stuff doesn't catch Monk during his peak period, that he doesn't have the spark he possessed during his Riverside period. And I would totally agree with that. But at the same time, I find that the limitations and obstructions he faced deepen this music to a degree. If one wants snap and polish, I think "Alone in San Francisco" is the choice to make (and, to my knowledge though I could be completely wrong, that's the only Riverside album currently available that's composed entirely of solo performances). If one wants an introduction to Monk's music, I'd suggest "Plays Duke Ellington" or one of the Blue Note releases.

But if you want to hear what becomes of a master, and you have the patience to let a big collection of music grow on you, "Monk Alone" is worth the time and effort.

It took me a while to fit into this collection. But I think it's good music to be alone with, it's just you and him. I like to work and write to this music, it's intense but quiet. It's the sound of an artist laboring by himself.

Sparse setting, but haunting beauty that grows on you..........2003-07-04

Quick now, do you really think you'll like two hours and twenty minutes of SOLO piano by anybody? If anybody can pull it off, it's Monk. He makes each note distinct, and does not waste any. Quirky yet lovely, most of his time here on this double CD is spent at medium or slow tempo. I thought I liked his accompanied work much better, at first. But as you listen to these songs, they do indeed become endearing. If as some reviewers say, his earlier Riverside box of solo work is even better, it must be really something. I have eight or nine Monk CD's now, and I have enjoyed them all and don't want to weed any from my collection. As a bonus here, "Monk Alone" has an excellent booklet. Read half-a-dozen reviews here, check your music budget, and take the plunge. Although I'm 58, I've only been immersed in Monk and John Coltrane for two years. It's about damn time, and I have enjoyed both artists tremendously. I wish I had been hip enough to have been a fan when I was young and they were still alive. I grew up less than an hour from NYC, where these two played in clubs regularly. When I had dough, I went to Broadway shows instead of jazz clubs. At the time, I thought that was the smarter use of my limited funds, but from the viewpoint of upper middle age, I wish I had been a bit more adventurous. Thank goodness, at least we have the discs, to know what we missed.

Amazing Grace: The Songs Of The Reagan Memorial

Average customer rating:

Great CD

Amazing Grace: The Songs Of The Reagan Memorial

Manufacturer: Martingale
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000679MWO
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Tracks:

Amazing Grace - United States Air Force Band
America the Beautiful - United States Army Band
God Bless America - United States Marine Band
Battle Hymn of the Republic - United States Air Force Band
Be Still, My Soul
Jerusalem - Eric Wyse
Faire Is the Heaven
Ave Maria
Going Home - United States Air Force Band
Navy Hymn (Eternal Father) - United States Marine Band
National Hymn (God of Our Fathers) - United States Marine Band
Abide with Me - Eric Wyse
Nearer, My God, To Thee - United States Air Force Band
Amazing Grace
Taps - United States Marine Band

Customer Reviews:

Great CD.......2007-03-19

Great CD - Even if you are not ex military you will enjoy it.

Average customer rating:

GREAT BUY!

Crossing the Line

Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Duets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

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General | Jazz | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0002T2PZC
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Tracks:

Il Convegno, Divertimento For Two Clarinets And String Quintet
Noodle 1: Jumping In
Original Duos: Allegro
Original Duos: Andante Grazioso
Original Duos: Variazioni
Original Duos: Rondo
Noodle 2 'Freedom'
The Leblanc Suite: With Humor
The Leblanc Suite: Ballad
The Leblanc Suite: Ragtime
Noodle 3 'Loosey Goosey'
Sonata: For Two Flutes: MVT. II -Cantabile
Jazz Fantasy: For Two Clarinets: Slow
Jazz Fantasy: For Two Clarinets: Moderate
Jazz Fantasy: For Two Clarinets: Slow
Jazz Fantasy: For Two Clarinets: Fast
Jazz Fantasy: For Two Clarinets: Slow
Noodle 4: 'Blue Noodle'
Hallucinations
We Will Meet Again
Blue Monk
Andre De Sapato Novo

Album Description

Crossing The Line is a labor of love. It's about two guys having fun, adding totally free improvistions between several selections. Larry Combs and Eddie Daniels are legendary masters of their craft. Combs, aside from being one of the best orchestral clarinetists in the world, is a fine jazz player. He played with Chuck Mangione before joining the Chicago Symphony.

From "Ponchielli," (featuring the Chicago String Quintet) and the Pleyel duets to Gordon Goodwin's "Leblanc Suite" and William O. Smith's "Jazz Fantasy" this is a serious musical joyride!

Customer Reviews:

GREAT BUY!.......2005-06-24

I recently met Eddie Daniels and Larry Combs at the Oklahoma University Clarinet Symposium and WOW! They are both amazing characters at what they do. First off, Larry Combs is a classical clarinetist who has been Principle Clarinet in the Chicago Symphony since the early 70's. Eddie Daneils is a Jazz Clarinet player, but yet he still plays classical just as well as Larry Combs. Well, Larry and Eddie met eachother at a Clarinet Convention MANY years ago, and since then they have been great friends. These people are LEGENDARY! They will be in the clarinet recording archives probably until the day I die, which will be a looong time. This album is worth the the money, I suggest it for anyone who is a fan of EITHER or BOTH of these fabulous clarinetists. The Duos by Ignaz Pleytel are phenominol! They are beautiful! And whats even funnier is they play noodles, which is unedited made up on the spot music, which makes the whole experience even more interesting because they just follow each other with whatever they can come up with on the spot. Buy this album if you are a clarinetist, you won't regret it!

Average customer rating:

INCREDIBLE TECHNIQUE, PHRASING,TONE
Very good technique....tone...no
Wow

Amanda
Isaac Albeniz , Fryderyk Chopin , Manuel de Falla , Enrique Granados , Ernesto Lecuona , Franz Lehar , Thelonious Monk , Gioachino Rossini , Cyril Scott , Carl Maria von Weber , and Amanda Pepping
Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Mazurkas | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Bach: Works for Trumpet
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ASIN: B000AMPZL2
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Tracks:

Asturias Leyenda De La Suite Espanola
Cordoba
Andalucia
Gitaneras
Malagunea
Lotus Land
Andaluza, Spanish Dance No.5
Scherzo
Muzurka
Frasquita
Malaguena
El Pano Moruno
Seguidilla
Asturiana
Jota
Nana
Cancion
Polo
The Willow Song
Danse Espagnol
Round Midnight

Album Description

Amanda Pepping, one of the rare company of female trumpet virtuosi, enjoys a diverse career as an active soloist, ensemble musician, and music teacher. She has had dozens of solo engagements in the last few years. This CD is a collection of many of Pepping's favorite pieces.

Customer Reviews:

INCREDIBLE TECHNIQUE, PHRASING,TONE.......2007-06-28

I don't know what music the first comment was referring to when he said she doesn't have good tone. Amanda Pepping is superb in every aspect of her playing. Fast, articulate, great phrasing, technique, and tonal quality. He needs to get his trumpet out and match what she does. (If he even plays at all). I think he can probably play "Twinkle, twinkle, little star".

T.A.

Very good technique....tone...no.......2005-10-21

She's got some very impressive technique, especially from what you hear on the first track...all that rapid firing! wow

But when you talk about tone, which I believe is the essence of trumpet playing, she does not produce a rich enough tone

If you want to listen to INSANE technique while still retaining a beautiful tone, listen to Maurice Andre, his Carnival of Venice was quite impressive

Wow.......2005-09-20

Amanda Pepping is most definitely in the elite company of the small sorority of female trumpet virtuosi. Brava!

Average customer rating:

archaeology of the future
STRANGE DIMENSIONS OF THE HUMAN VOICE
Wow!
A fascinating disc

Meredith Monk: Dolmen Music

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Book of Days
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ASIN: B0000261O9
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Tracks:

Gotham Lullaby
Travelling
The Tale
Biography
Dolmen Music: Dolmen Music: Overture And Men's Conclave - Wa-Ohs - Rain - Pine Tree Lullaby - Calls - Conclusion

Customer Reviews:

archaeology of the future.......2004-09-30

Of everything Ms. Monk has recorded, this is to my opinion the very best. Despite all the emphasis on Dolmen Music, don't forget about the other four songs on the album, they're precious! Musically truly amazing and - yes - spiritually moving, the title track can be best decribed as a form of musical archaeology, gradually uncovering some sort of future community. This might sound vague, and the association might be entirely personal, being both a musician and an archaeologist myself. But listen to this incredible work of art, and you will never listen to the human voice in the same way again.

STRANGE DIMENSIONS OF THE HUMAN VOICE.......2002-07-09

To quote Meredith Monk: "The voice is a language, a world of continuing discoveries." She uses her voice to sing, moan, yodel, squeal, whisper and gurgle, at the same time conjuring up a panoply of characters, from elderly women and precocious children to shrieking ghosts and chanting priests. With the exception of The Tale, she does this on Dolmen Music without words, restricting herself to swooping vocalisation, inventive phonemes and ritualistic incantations. The Tale starts off with a child's weird laughter and vocal contortions and then proceeds into some weird lyrics over shattering glass and car horns. The long piece Dolmen Music that concludes the album, sounds very gothic and medieval with interweaving male and female voices. There is very little to compare Monk's work with - perhaps the closest would be some of the works of Diamanda Galas or Tibetan overtone chanting. All in all, a very unusual album that takes to human voice to places it's never been before.

Wow!.......2002-02-14

I just can't get this album out of my head. It's pretty incredible. I didn't even know human voics could make some of the sounds that you hear on this.

First of all, if you're reading this I imagine you're already familiar with Monk. She's not exactly "mainstream," so why else would you be here reading this? Approach this and other Monk albums with an open mind; Meredith Monk is the musical equivalent of abstract expressionism, so if you're expecting something that resembles any preconceived notions of what music traditionally is, forget it! This takes the art to a whole new level. But this is truly a haunting album. I have portions of track five stuck in my head.

A fascinating disc.......2000-11-13

This CD includes one of Monk's few "songs" (with lyrics) -- "The Tale" -- which is a quirky, funny little piece -- and the 20 min title track, which was also titled at one point "Stonehenge," I gather. Both of these are extremely strong cuts and worth listening to. My favorite Monk CD is BOOK OF DAYS, also transplanting us to some imaginary past; my second favorite is FACING NORTH, which, recorded in Banff, explores the feel of the arctic. Third on the list is DOLMEN MUSIC. Only serious devotees need proceed further, though DO YOU BE has some good moments, too (but is out-of-print, I think).

Women of Note ~ Beach, Boulanger, Clarke, Gubaidulina, Larsen, Mendelssohn, Monk, Musgrave, Ran, Zwilich

Average customer rating:

Great collection of 19th/20th Century music
It's about Time!

Women of Note ~ Beach, Boulanger, Clarke, Gubaidulina, Larsen, Mendelssohn, Monk, Musgrave, Ran, Zwilich
Libby Larsen , Sofia Gubaidulina , Nadia Boulanger , Germaine Tailleferre , Amy Beach , Lili Boulanger , Ellen Taaffe Zwilich , Rebecca Clarke , Clara Wieck Schumann , Sofiya Asgatovna Gubaydulina , Meredith Monk , Shulamit Ran , Thea Musgrave , Galina Ustvolskaya , Royal Philharmonic Chorus , Minnesota Orchestra , Women's Philharmonic , Louisville Orchestra , English Chamber Orchestra , New Zealand Chamber Orchestra , Joann Falletta , Joel Revzen , James Sedares , Nicholas Braithwaite , Arleen Auger , Nina Flyer , and Chi Fun Lee
Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001SKH
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

Concertino For Harp (Allegretto)
Three Pieces For Cello And Piano (Vite et nerveusement rythme)
Sonnets Fro The Portuguese (How Do I Love Thee?)
Das Jahr (Mai)
Du'un Matin de Priintemps
Ballad In Db
Symphony No. 3 (Largo)
Missa Gaia (Introit)
Sonata (Impetuoso)
Sonata (Adagio
Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Staccato - Legato
Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Legato - Staccato
Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Con Sordino - Senza Sordino
Ten Preludes For Cello (Preludes 1 - 4): Ricochet
Travel Song
Three Fantasy Movements (Slow)
Orfeo II (Orpheo Laments)
Sonata No. 6

Customer Reviews:

Great collection of 19th/20th Century music.......2003-08-12

This is a great collection of works from 19th and 20th century women composers. Keep in mind, it is only a small sample of what's available, but an excellent place to start. It is also a good choice if you are a teacher wanting to introduce women composers to your class and do not want to invest in dozens of CDs. There are no large-scale works on this CD, so it is ideal as a sampler (or for use with kids in a classroom setting). I highly recommend this CD.

It's about Time!.......2001-12-07

A top-notch sampling of mainly 20th-century music by women composers, including Lili Boulanger and Pulitzer Prize-winners Ellen Taaffe Zwilich and Shulamit Ran, this cd proves that the music has been excellent all along. What we have needed are good recordings of superior performances. The samples often are brief--e.g., a single movement from Clarke's cello sonata--yet do provide jumping off points for more concentrated pursuit of favorite composers. Those uninitiated in women's works will become familiar here with some of the best of the last 150 years: Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Thea Musgrave, and on and on. I hope every author of a text on music since 1840 will come to know and adore this cd, then include the music in their discussions of music history. It's about time!

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