Monk's Music

1. Abide With Me

2. Well, You Needn't

3. Ruby, My Dear

4. Off Minor [Take 5]

5. Epistrophy

6. Crepuscule With Nellie [Take 6]

7. Off Minor [Take 4][*]

8. Crepuscule With Nellie [Takes 4 and 5][*]

Monk's Music,Thelonious Monk,Ojc,Bop,Jazz,Pop

Jazz

Music

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Average customer rating: David Hyde Pierce does Sherlock Holmes in a musical. A Tough Act To Follow JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!! CURTAINS is likable but not special. The Last Kander and Ebb

Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Manufacturer: Manhattan Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Soundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast) Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast) Grey Gardens - A New Musical (2006 Original Broadway Cast) The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast) Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast) ASIN: B000PC1QKQ Release Date: 2007-06-05

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Wide Open Spaces
3. What Kind Of Man?
4. Thinking Of Him
5. The Woman's Dead
6. Show People
7. Coffee Shop Nights
8. In the Same Boat
9. I Miss the Music
10. Thataway!
11. The Man Is Dead
12. He Did It
13. In the Same Boat
14. It's a Business
15. Kansasland
16. Medley: Thinking Of Him/I Miss the Music
17. A Tough Act To Follow
18. In the Same Boat
19. In the Same Boat
20. Show People
21. Wide Open Spaces
22. A Tough Act To Follow

Amazon.com

Sadly, Curtains is the final entry in the long and fruitful partnership of lyricist Fred Ebb (who died in September 2004) and composer John Kander. While the show doesn't reach the heights of the team's previous masterpieces, such as Cabaret and Chicago, it's certainly a lot better than, say, their middling 1997 offering Steel Pier. Deliberately old-fashioned (it even features a real overture, something that's fast becoming a rarity), Curtains is a whodunit rolled into a musical--or vice versa. Set in 1959 Boston, it takes place backstage at a singing-and-dancing Western corker titled Robbin Hood. Someone gets killed, and a show tunes-crazy homicide detective (David Hyde Pierce) is called in. The plot is just a pretext for a series of very entertaining, characteristically brass-heavy songs that may not have the bite of old Kander and Ebb but are still very catchy. Above all, Curtains is (both thematically and stylistically) a love letter to old-school showbiz, and it's delivered on a silver platter by a cast of pros that includes the aforementioned Hyde Pierce, Kander and Ebb habituée Karen Ziemba, endearing Jason Danieley and, a notch above the rest, Debra Monk. Unsurprisingly, she chews the scenery and spits it right back in a pair of rowdy numbers: "Show People" and "It's a Business." --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Album Description

Curtains is an entertaining play within a play, as well as a "whodunit" new musical comedy featuring one of the last scores by legendary, Tony Award-winning songwriters John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago, New York, New York). Starring David Hyde Pierce (Spamalot, "Frasier") and Debra Monk, the Curtains original Broadway cast album is produced by nine-time Grammy Award-winner Jay David Saks.

Customer Reviews:

David Hyde Pierce does Sherlock Holmes in a musical........2007-07-19

The show which spawned the OBC album was no "Producers", in fact it reminded me a lot of an old show "Crazy For You". The music was pleasant and one of the cast members has a wonderful tenor voice. Other than that the score is forgetable.

A Tough Act To Follow.......2007-07-18

"curtains" is a wonderful show full of fun and laughter and fantastic music.
Isn't it great to have an other show by Kander and Ebb who have giver us such
pleasure in the past. The cast are perfect not one dud in the whole pack.
I can thoroughly recommend this show to everyone with a love of musical theatre

JUST WHAT A BROADWAY MUSICAL SHOULD BE!!.......2007-07-17

In the tradition of good old-fashioned musicals that entertain for entertainment's sake comes this terrific, witty, clever, fun musical with a top notch cast and some swell songs. We were lucky enough to see this show several weeks ago. And as grand as it is to watch-- it is super to listen to as well. David Hype Pierce is totally terrific, as is Debra Monk. Karen Ziemba and Jason Daniely are first tier performers as well. The show moves along at a great pace, consistently entertaining. There are some wonderous Kander and Ebb melodies--maybe not on par with Cabaret and Chicago--but nonetheless still extremely good. Everything about the CD says high quality. It is well recorded and the performances are excellent. If you get a chance to see the show, grab the chance! If not, you can still enjoy the show with the playing of this CD. Highly recommended!!

CURTAINS is likable but not special........2007-07-15

There is nothing particularly great about this score, but it is likable, and it is Kander & Ebb's final work. That makes it worthwhile to have. The next time I am in NYC, which won't be until December, I would like to see CURTAINS, especially if David Hyde Pierce is still in it. I prefer revivals and old fashioned musicals like CURTAINS to the new shows with rock or folk rock scores, like LEGALLY BLONDE which I disliked.

The Last Kander and Ebb.......2007-07-13

Couldn't miss the opportunity to hear the last of the Kander and Ebb collaboration. This score has a familiar feel to it. The music is good but not great and the show seems as if it would be fun.

Average customer rating: essential to your jazz collection, period Thelonious Monk Quarted with John colgrane at Carnegie Hall Very Nice Pure Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Thelonious Monk , and John Coltrane Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: One Down, One Up: Live at the Half Note Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945 Kind of Blue Our New Orleans: A Benefit Album for the Gulf Coast Prairie Wind ASIN: B000AV2GCE Release Date: 2005-09-27

Tracks:

1. Monk's Mood
2. Evidence
3. Crepescule With Nellie
4. Nutty
5. Epistrophy (Live)
6. Bye-Ya
7. Sweet And Lovely
8. Blue Monk
9. Epistrophy

Amazon.com

Every year sees a crop of newly found jazz gems, but rarely are listeners treated to anything as special as this 1957 concert recording of Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, which was accidentally discovered in an unmarked box by a Library of Congress engineer early in 2005. Until now, fans could only dream of hearing these two immortals play together beyond the three studio tracks they left behind. But here they are, hitting their stride at an all-star benefit concert, basking in the chemistry they had developed in Monk's quartet during the preceding weeks at New York's Five Spot. Coltrane's playing is a revelation. He's both an inspired accompanist and a galvanizing soloist, taking the music to new heights with his bold, brilliantly challenging, and sometimes jaw-dropping phrases, note clusters, and blasts of power. Sharing with Coltrane a newfound sense of freedom following the personal and professional troubles that had plagued them both, Monk is clearly tickled to be in the tenorist's presence, injecting humorous commentaries and otherwise asserting his eccentric genius as a pianist. The material, which was very well recorded by the Voice of America, includes Monk classics like "Epistrophy," "Monk's Moods," and "Evidence," as well as a striking rendition of the standard "Sweet and Lovely." This is music that not only bears repeated listenings, but also demands them--the ultimate definition of a classic. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

essential to your jazz collection, period.......2007-05-30

I can't believe this sat in a box and the library of congress all this time! It makes me wonder what other gems they got in deep freeze. Thank Jeezy they found it. I love listening to this when I drive around town with the windows down on a summer night. Good, good, good. Hear it, love it, get it.

Thelonious Monk Quarted with John colgrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-29

This recording, unearthed after nearly fifty years on old tapes found at the Library of Congress, is a national treasure that speaks to all of us, after two generations. Surely this marks the work as art in its most universal sense: something with permanence, that will (I hope) last through the ages. I understand from a little research that Billy Holiday participated in this same concert, and regret that that recording has been lost! But this one, in my opinion, gets five stars.

Very Nice.......2007-05-25

I've got a small but impressive jazz library, jazz has been a recent addition to my musical tastes. I'm not the biggest Coltrane fan, I prefer Cannonball Adderly and some others less inclined to go wailing away. I do not like Coltrane's A Love Supreme. Monk and Coltrane team up here with a very enjoyable performance. Excellent for background music or dedicated listening. The fidelity is superb, very high quality. Only negative is it's mono. Jazz fans will love this.

Pure.......2007-05-20

It's funny what people find when they clean out closets. The people at Carngie Hall found a jewel and something unique and pure. A great addition to any jazz aficionado's collection. In reality a must have if you like jazz at all.

Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall.......2007-05-17

I purchased the disc, being asked by my brother.
He is exceited and overjoyed to have gotten the disc.

Average customer rating: No choral collection can be considered complete if this CD isn't there...!! Absolutely Pleased! It takes me away Censoring of Be Still My Soul A good choice for first time buyers of Libera

Angel Voices Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Holst | Holst, Gustav | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Visions Free Libera Luminosa Angel Voices 3 ASIN: B000IHY9QG Release Date: 2006-10-25

Tracks:

1. Far Away
2. Sanctus
3. Ave Maria
4. Going Home
5. Be Still My Soul
6. Salva Me
7. I Vow To Thee, My Country
8. Voca Me
9. Always With You
10. We Are The Lost
11. I Am The Day
12. Recordare
13. Abide With Me
14. Silent Night
15. Going Home

Amazon.com

There's very little to say about this recording of ethereally beautifully singing by the 24 young English lads who make up the group Libera. Enormously popular in Asia, the group is part of a parish choir in South London that has been around for many years, with of course, changes in personnel as voices change. There are a couple of pieces here by well-known composers--Pachelbel, Sibelius, Holst, Dvorak--but to their music have been added words and, of course, it's all been "arranged." Texts, translations from Latin, and arrangements as well as original music are by Robert Prizeman, the choir's director, and some of the numbers are accompanied by quiet synthesizers, organ, and/or drums. There is something new-age about this project and some might find the effect syrupy, while others might long for the "real" thing, that is, boys with this talent singing some Renaissance or later music that is not designed simply as balm for the ears. But for what it is--a perfectly pitched choir with some outstanding solo work as well, singing easy-to-listen to short numbers--this is just lovely. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

No choral collection can be considered complete if this CD isn't there...!!.......2007-07-20

The "marksmanship" involved in the creation of this CD is spot on target. You do not have a complete collection of choral music until you own this CD. Flawless, impeccable, perfect, precise, exacting...the best of the best. Buy it. This is music creation at the very apex of recording technology that captures these young voices in a stunningly clear and beautiful manner. The robust orchestration and organ are sensibly down played to allow these intricate harmonies to come through. This is pure genius....brilliant....EMI should be proud of this recording as one of the F1 Ferraris in their classical music catalog... BRAVO!! A 5 minute standing ovation!!!... A job well done!!!

Absolutely Pleased!.......2007-07-10

I just recently loss my brother-in-law who passed away on Memorial day of this year and this CD has been able to comfort my family and I through this terrible loss. I absolutely recommend that anyone who is needing spiritual uplifting should definitely buy this CD. I consider this the best comfort CD ever!

It takes me away .......2007-06-28

I heard this album playing as I browsed in a Barnes and Noble, it was enchanting. I had to know what it was. The sales person in the music section filled me in and we listened to it for hours while we drove. Their voices are heavenly. I am transported to a place of peace and calm.

Censoring of Be Still My Soul.......2007-05-21

On the fifth track, Be Still My Soul, the arrangers reworked the original lyrics of Katharina A. von Schlegel and taken the third verse:

Be still, my soul:
when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened
in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know
His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe
thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul:
thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness
all He takes away.

And made it a combination of the third and second verse:

Be still, my soul:
when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened
in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know
His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe
thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul,
the waves and winds
still know His voice
Who ruled them
while He dwelt below.

In other words, they have taken the name of Jesus out of the original lyrics. The verse doesn't even make sense now. I feel it is awful that the one who can soothe all our sorrow and thy fears, Jesus, was censored from this beautiful work.

A good choice for first time buyers of Libera.......2007-05-17

A lot of reviewers have complained that Angel Voices is mostly a compilation that takes a few songs from each previous Libera album and reworks it. I imagine it is somewhat like a greatest hits, or favorites album, only all the songs have been re-recorded by the current set of boys that makes up the group.
Personally, this album was our first exposure to the group. We enjoy its mellowness, and the soaring vocals and harmonies. I am not sure that we would buy many of their other albums since this one has a nice mix of songs that are included on the other CDs.
We have given this CD as a gift as well as having it ourselves and everyone we have shared it with has loved it.

Average customer rating: music from the Five Spot.... great concert great concert great concert Pleasing

Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane Manufacturer: Ojc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kind of Blue A Love Supreme Mingus Ah Um Birth of the Cool Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B000000Y2F Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Ruby, My Dear
2. Trinkle, Tinkle
3. Off Minor [Stereo] - John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Thelonious Monk
4. Nutty
5. Epistrophy [Stereo]
6. Functional

Amazon.com essential recording

Among Thelonious Monk's long stays at New York's legendary Five Spot was a six-month period in 1957 with possibly his most brilliant band, with John Coltrane finding fuel in Monk's music for his harmonic explorations. The quartet only recorded three studio tracks: a sublime reading of Monk's ballad "Ruby, My Dear"; a loping version of "Nutty"; and a stunning version of "Trinkle Tinkle" on which Trane's tenor mirrors Monk's piano part. The CD is completed with outtakes from an octet session that joined Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins and an extended solo version of "Functional." --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

music from the Five Spot...........2007-06-22

The Five Spot in 1957 Thelonious Monk playing live at one of his favorite gigs. Before they became jazz legends Monk and John Coltrane jam on 3 songs. This is a classic jazz recording and one of the few where Monk and Coltrane play together. But check this out you also have Coleman Hawkins on tenor sax, Art Blakey, before his Jazz Messengers days, on drums, Wilbur Ware on bass. Great music.

great concert.......2007-06-02

The sound is not good, but these two masters of jazz of all time together are simply great.

great concert.......2007-06-02

The sound is not good, but these two masters of jazz of all time together are simply great.

great concert.......2007-06-02

The sound is not good, but these two masters of jazz of all time together are simply great.

Pleasing .......2006-08-25

The CD is wonderful it sound as if you are there. A great buy.

Average customer rating: Monk in top form The Thelonious Monk Quartet Monk's major label debut. Very Accurate Title Dream On Monk....

Monk's Dream Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Straight, No Chaser Mingus Ah Um Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane A Love Supreme Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall ASIN: B00006GO99 Release Date: 2002-09-03

Tracks:

1. Monk's Dream (Take 8)
2. Body And Soul (Re-Take 2)
3. Bright Mississippi (Take 1)
4. Blues Five Spot
5. Blue Bolivar Blues (Take 2)
6. Just A Gigolo
7. Bye-Ya
8. Sweet And Lovely
9. Monk's Dream (Take 3)
10. Body And Soul (Take 1)
11. Bright Mississippi (Take 3)
12. Blue Bolivar Blues (Take 1)

Amazon.com essential recording

Thelonious Sphere Monk was 45 when he began work in 1962 on Monk's Dream, his first recording for a big mainstream label. Thus, the 8 tracks here, a mixture of Monk originals and standards, present the bop pianist at a career peak, documenting music that is both challenging and immediately accessible. Playing with his touring quartet, Monk makes each song his own, finding a typically quirky melody line within the romance of "Body and Soul" or the swing of "Bright Mississippi." Tenor saxman Charles Rouse adds some soothing horn soloing, but it's Monk's bright, intuitive playing that makes this a late bop milestone. Timeless. --Steve Appleford

Amazon.com

Originally released in early 1963, Monk's Dream was the first Thelonious Monk album for Columbia. At the time this was recorded (fist sessions on Halloween, 1962), he had become one of the preeminent figures in contemporary jazz. His move to Columbia put him in the company of a couple of the era's other major talents and commercial successes, Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck, and his quartet was stabilized for a couple years with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse (with him since 1958), bassist John Ore, and drummer Frankie Dunlop. This album set the format for his succeeding works for the label over the next half-dozen years: a few standards mixed with originals, most of which had been recorded earlier in his career (the only new composition is "Bright Mississippi," itself a variation on the chordal structure of "Sweet Georgia Brown"). However, these performances find Monk in exuberant good cheer. His playing sparkles with invention and the relaxation and calm of a career in well-deserved ascension. Critically under-celebrated in its day, Monk's Dream is rich with the confidence of a band at its peak. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

Monk in top form.......2007-02-14

Monk's most creative period was the mid 40's to early 50's, when he developed his style (revolutionary at the time) and wrote most of his classic compositions. Sadly he was underappreciated by the public until after that period. By the time of this recording, 1962, Monk's style has been fully developed for a while. This record is sometimes dismissed because there is not much innovation or new compositions. I think that is a mistake. This is Monk as a mature artist refining his style with a great band. The sax player, Charlie Rouse, is not a celebrity name like John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, or Johnny Griffin, but his tone and style perfectly complement Monk on this record. Monk's opening solo on "Sweet and Lovely" is one of his best, and when Rouse comes in after a couple of minutes, it's pretty close to perfect. There's only one new song, "Bright Mississippi", but it's one of his classics. When Monk covers standards like "Like a Gigolo" and "Body and Soul" he makes them sound like they are his songs. I highly recommend this one.

The Thelonious Monk Quartet.......2005-10-17

This is probaly the best record to go to if one needed to check out Thelonious Monk in a quartet setting, or any setting for that matter.

Most Monk albums have a few of his classic tunes, and a few standards, and this album is no different. It sounds like Monk and the rest of the musicians were very on top with this recording. It's very well arranged, and everyone plays great.

I think one of Monk's best drummers was Frankie Dunlop, and he appears on this album. He had the perfect style for Monk's creative playing, more than Art Blakey and Roy Haynes had for him.

Bye Ya, and Monk's Dream are too tunes that standout, and Bolivar Blues is another Monk classic. I dig them! This whole album is great.

Another thing I realized while listening to this album is just how good a solo pianist Monk is. Sure, everybody knows he had a couple of solo albums out, but not many think of him as a great solo pianist.

Certainly not the most ideal accompianist for a horn man, Monk is exciting and ingenious all the way. This is a classic recording!

Monk's major label debut........2005-10-04

In 1962, bebop was on its way out the door, but Thelonious Monk's star was rising. Having spent the better part of the previous decade signed to Riverside (where he moved from underground to somewhat more popularly known), he signed to Columbia Records' growing jazz department (it should be noted that all the praise that is often levied on Columbia for all this jazz they recorded should be tempered by noting how quickly they kicked these artists to the curb when they decided this music was not commercial enough). Monk appeared to be happy to be signed to the label, as he took his working quartet (including Charlie Rouse on tenor sax, John Ore on bass and Frankie Dunlop on drums) into the studio to record this album, "Monk's Dream", which has an ecstatic energy to it that many Monk pieces lack in favor of introspection.

Perhaps the most telling is the title track and opener, "Monk's Dream"-- it's energetic, upbeat and exciting, with Monk's playing fractured and explosive and Rouse matching. This pretty much sticks through the entire record, including the solo piano feature "Body and Soul", a stunning take on "Blue Bolivar Blues" (with a superb solo by Rouse) and "Bye-Ya", where Dunlop gets to show just what he's got in him. Throughout, the playing is superb, the group interaction is near-psychic, and the mood is exciting and upbeat-- check out closer "Sweet and Lovely"-- Monk freely associates on the theme under Rouse's solo, responding to the soloist and gently urging him on while Ore and Dunlop lock with the leader. The only exception to the mood of the record is the take of "Just a Gigolo", performed on solo piano, the only really moody piece on the record. Nonetheless, the performance is breathtaking as Monk deconstructs the piece totally.

This reissue is remastered and adds four alternate takes (nearly 30 minutes of unreleased music) to the recording, and features a new liner notes essay as well as reprinting the original notes.

I'm of the opinion (and I seem to be in the minority) that Monk has done better than this one, but it's an awfully good album. Recommended.

Very Accurate Title.......2005-04-24

This record does put you in the middle of Monk's Dream. Things are all around you - people, houses, stores, the city, the woods, just something is a little off. Hey how come that person has three feet and is pouring coffe grounds in one ear. I realize that makes no sense, but gives a sense of a different twist on musical reality. But this is still straight ahead bop thought, so the fact that it makes you feel slightly off balance is a compliment. Monk bops at slightly off kilter mid pace tempo and give Charlie Rouse a chance to shine. Charlie Rouse is taken for granted because he fits the music to well. He sounds like part of written composition. Few hornmen played Monk's tunes with such grace and ease. Chill out and space out to Monk's Dream

Dream On Monk...........2004-07-03

Of the dozen or so Monk albums in my collection this album positions itself as one of my top three favorites - with a large margin of endearment. Not unlike other albums released by Monk in the late '50's and beyond, herein Monk spreads out his pieces with lengthy solos and rythmic toying. New renditions of earlier concieved works are laid down with double or more playing time; not something that I find more oft to be a positive attribute.

However, this album is an exception. The essence of these works is not lost during the expanses of soloing and the melodies live beyond the confines of the jewel case. This is the kind of music that you just can't get out of your head and will actually enjoy humming when the CD ain't around. Also noteworthy, sound quality is vastly improved over early recordings of Monk.

If you don't own The Best of the Blue Note Years, it is highly recommended that you purchase both albums. For glimpses of the mad genius, try the video Straight, No Chaser.

Average customer rating: Outstanding Resource - We LOVE This CD! Great Intro to Operas A Sampler of Greatest Hits and Karaoke, Too World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English Great for adults too!

World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English! Manufacturer: Children's Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pavarotti's Opera Made Easy-My Favourite Opera For Children Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies The Classical Child at the Opera Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies ASIN: B0000C5ROP Release Date: 2003-09-23

Tracks:

1. The Barber Of Seville: Largo Al Factotum - Gregory Dahl
2. Carmen: Habanera - Jean Stilwell
3. The Marriage Of Figaro: Non Piu Andrai - Allan Monk
4. The Magic Flute: Papageno's Song - Daniel Lichti
5. Carmen: The Toreadors Song - Brian Banion
6. La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci - Addio Di Mimi - Laura Whalen
7. The Magic Flute: Der Hoole Rache (The Queen Of The Night's Aria) - Aline Kutan
8. Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Michael Schade
9. Tales Of Hoffman: The Doll Song - Tracy Dahl
10. Die Walkure: Ride Of the Valkyries - Laura Whalen
11. The Marriage Of Figaro: Voi, Che Sapete - Erin Thrall
12. Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di Verdremo - Natalie Choquette
13. Xerxes: Ombra Mai Fu - Daniel Taylor
14. Rigoletto: Caro Nome - Lambroula Maria Pappas
15. Habanera - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
16. Non Piu Andrai - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
17. Papageno's Song - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
18. La Donna E Mobile - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV
19. Voi, Che Sapete - The Budapest Concert Orchestra MAV

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Resource - We LOVE This CD!.......2007-07-16

This is a GREAT CD! Both the children and my husband and I love it. We bought it as an introduction to opera for our homeschooled children, and never guessed we'd all enjoy it so much.

All the tunes are ones you will probably recognize - but hearing the words that go with the music and hearing them in *English* is so helpful! It has been really fun to find out what these songs are really about.

My kids and I often catch ourselves singing opera through the day now, which is really neat. It has helped build their understanding of music in many different ways, and has improved my oldest daughter's voice ability as she strives to keep up with the professional singers on the CD.

The music is beautiful, the words are lovely and give meaning, and this whole CD is just exceptionally good entertainment!

Great Intro to Operas.......2006-10-16

THE WORLD"S VERY BEST OPERA FOR KIDS is a collection of fourteen of the best loved arias in the world. The whole family will enjoy this CD, which is a unique version of these famous arias in that these are all sung in English so your child (and you) can appreciate and imagine the story that it illustrates. It is a wonderful introduction to opera and will have the whole family humming the memorable melodies, which are sung by some of the best of famous voices. You will be inspired to read the storylines of the operas to your children for a wonderful educational and delightful family hour. The CD includes an insert with the words so you can sing along

A Sampler of Greatest Hits and Karaoke, Too.......2006-04-05

It really doesn't get much better than this CD. The primary benefit of the music is that it is a terrific selection of funny and touching arias from the classical genre. I am an opera lover and bought this for myself to memorize the words in English, as prompts when I listen to the pieces untranslated. I started listening to the CD while I was driving, and within a week had bought about a dozen CDs to distribute to family members and friends, with kids (and without). Everyone loves it. And at the end of the CD are several tracks of just the music, so you can sing along, which is a hoot. Your friends and colleagues, who hear you barking along to beats, will think you have taken leave of your senses. The lyrics (in English) are in the liner notes. I would suggest not reading the liner notes while driving.

Second CD benefit. The time you spend listening to this will be the equivalent of an afternoon at the beach or a walk in the mountains. The calming factor is amazing.

World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English.......2006-01-30

I listen to this with my 3 year old and we both enjoy it. I am not an operatic expert and to my lay ears the performances here sound great, and my daughter likes hearing the words to some of her favorite music ("Play the Torreadores again Mommy!") Its a nice break from some more traditional kids songs that we listen to.

Great for adults too!.......2005-08-15

I never had an interest in opera until I made a trip to Italy and dined in an opera cafe. I appreciate it even more thanks to this CD. Now that I can hear the lyrics in english and read a synopsis of the story, I appreciate and enjoy opera even more.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan Hymns for every one Super Praise!

Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection Abide With Me Hymns Through the Centuries ASIN: B00002EIUG Release Date: 1999-10-12

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-09

'The HYMN-a word derived from the Greek 'hymnos'-has been defined as 'a term of unknown origin applied from ancient times to a wide variety of songs in honor of gods, heroes or notable men.'
The founder of English hymnody is Isaac Watts (1674-1748), whose work in reforming congregational song texts culminated in the publication of his 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs' in 1707. Watts' collection was as complete and comprehensive a set of hymns as had ever been proposed for English worship and it raised the profile of the hymn sufficiently to overcome the prevailing psalmody. The great flowering period of English hymnody began with the work of the Methodist hymn-writers John Wesley (1703-1791) and his brother Charles (1707-1788). The Wesleys gave great prominence to hymns within their Methodist worship and published many books.
The modern hymn book is a collection of hymns drawn from various times and places. This most accomplished recording by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir presents 16 well-loved hymns from 'The New English Hymnal'. A great number of the hymns, which originate from many different eras and traditions, are given an extra musical dimension by John Scott's original descants and thrilling brass arrangements.
Over the years, I have found myself purchasing mostly the recordings of English choirs. They seem to have incredible vocal skills, perfectly executed phrases, flawless diction and some unidentifiable ingredient that makes them very appealing to hear. Of course, I personally enjoy the all male choirs sound; boy sopranos and male altos make the difference. This is a very appealing group of hymns!!!!!

Hymns for every one.......2002-12-01

As I have said already..I am from espiscopal church..these my songs are well know by me...these songs give encouragement when it seems that all hope is lost..these are tunes that are well received....they are also very simple for the every day person to gain strength from day to day..they will become your daily prayer.....

Super Praise!.......2000-06-10

Praise The Lord offers the listener traditional hymns in the English/British tradition. the clarity of the voices make it possible for the listener to follow the words distinctly. The organ soars as accompaniment. the CD provides organ and choral quality for the novice and the experienced musician.

Average customer rating: Great Packaging! Great Remastering As Well! Rightly praised classic, however at times lacking Monk's signature brilliant, yes mahn Pannonica Which Monk Cd should I choose ?

Brilliant Corners Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Ojc 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 Similar Items: Mingus Ah Um Monk's Dream A Love Supreme Moanin' Somethin' Else ASIN: B000000Y1H Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

1. Brilliant Corners
2. Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are
3. Pannonica
4. I Surrender, Dear
5. Bemsha Swing

Amazon.com essential recording

Few composers or improvisers can match the originality of pianist Thelonious Monk. Quirky yet rigorously logical, Monk's playful but always purposeful choice of skewed melodies and interrupted rhythm patterns gave the bebop movement, and jazz in total, a new sound that was totally modern. Although he created a surprisingly limited body of compositions, his impact on the vocabulary and canon of jazz is second to none, including such prolific giants as Duke Ellington. Brilliant Corners is a triumph of both performance and conception: the two small-group sessions, anchored by Monk, drummer Max Roach, and the bass work of either Oscar Pettiford or Paul Chambers, feature superb front-line performances by saxophonists Sonny Rollins and the tragically under-recorded Ernie Henry, as well as trumpeter Clark Terry. The title track, which centers the collection, is one of Monk's most unconventional pieces, skirting whole-tone, chromatic and Lydian scales; a version of "Pannonica" finds Monk doubling on celeste, while the band stretches out on "Bemsha Swing" and the blues "Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues-are." --Fred Goodman

Album Description

Digitally remastered using K2 bit technology, this is a Japanese reissue of the great pianist's 1956 album for the Prestige label in a miniaturized LP sleeve limited to the initial pressing only. Five tracks. The All-Music Guide gave the album four & a ha

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring 20bit K2 Mastering and Limited Edition LP Style Slipcase for Initial Pressing Only.

Customer Reviews:

Great Packaging! Great Remastering As Well!.......2006-10-02

This along with "Criss-Cross" have been roundly acknowledged as among the best the Monk has ever done. Considering he had recorded dozens of albums, that's no small praise either. This version of the classic album is a work of art in itself. The mini-lp sleeve replica is very well done and it reproduces very faithfully the cover art on the original lp release. In addition, all the tracks have been very well digitally remastered so that the sound quality is really very, very good. This is by far the best version of this album that is currently out there.

Recommended for all fans of Monk and of great jazz in general.

Rightly praised classic, however at times lacking Monk's signature.......2006-05-15

This is one of those ominous recordings that manages to somehow steal the spotlight away from some of the more in depth work of the artist due to this album's attempt at "getting everything right". Don't ask me to explain what that means, all I know is that there are many albums that achieve legendary status due to their pitch perfect recipe that delivers all of the prescribed ingrediants in the right order. Somehow that formula for sucess yielded many jazz classics, but overshadowed more personal, detailed work. This applies to most artists then, and as a general forwarning into gageing many composer's true strengths when it comes to buying most recommended titles. They are often ideal first purchases when discovering someone, but usually misleading as well.
This album itself is perhaps 1/2 dominated by the man of the hour, giving way to yes..some brilliant corners. There are some amazing musical concepts going on brought on undoubtedly by a total collaboration at times with some pretty free form plotting by all players. As exciting as some of the swingin tunes can be, the problem of overshadowing genius cannot be remedied when tunes like "I surrender Dear" are played, the depth of that writing on display towers over the majority of the disc's mood of playfullness. Nonetheless, this is one of his more popular albums for a reason, each track on this album has stood the test of time and will continue to represent such a special hybrid of piano induced, frenzied yet organized beauty in it's 5 eclectic compositions that go everywhere from avant garde to ballad to bee bop to solo.

brilliant, yes mahn.......2006-03-11

This is a fantastic monk recording, because there is so much soul in the tracks. Monk's unorthodox style is interpreted well by all the other players as is immediately evident on the first track. The tempo shifts continually and the song takes on a completely eccentric life of its own. Rollin's sax solo about 4 minutes into the track has a playful, whimsical, blues feel and roache's drum play is among the best i have ever heard on any jazz track, the way he shifts tempo during his solo is wonderfully energizing. The intros and exits to both the first two tracks will hang in your head for the rest of the day. Henry and rollins simultaneous play during these periods suggests a light-hearted, take-it-as-it-comes approach to life. The bass solos are equally playful, like the one on "Ba-lue..." From head to toe the musicians surrounding monk do a fantastic job assuming his style and create a recording that is the epitome of monk.

As far as monk's play, i am partial to his solo about 4 and 1/2 minutes into track two. It sums up the feel of the entire album: cool, playful and confident. Monk's choice of celeste-play on "pannonica" is another deviation from tradition that hangs a mystical mood around a somewhat earthy track that couldn't be done without it. I am also a big fan of monk's classical style and track four is rich and romantic.

This disc is a wonderful way of looking at the world that has never been done quite the same. It is an optimistic recording that you will leave in a good mood after hearing it...every time. "Brilliant corners" is one of those recordings that makes you thank fate that monk and the all-star cast that joined him created it and you happened to hear it after the session became history.

Pannonica.......2005-08-09

From the wonderful documentary "Straight, No Chaser", we know that the Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter was born a Rothschild, flew bombers during WWII in de Gaulle's resistance, then came to New York and became one of the foremost patrons of jazz, close friends with Parker, Thelonious, and countless others. Complex lady. Complex tune as well, and one of Monk's most beautiful.
This record was Monk's third for Riverside, but the first to feature his compositions. The title track "Brilliant Corners" is notorious for its strangeness of melody and its doubling of tempo. But the highlight of the record is the ballad "Pannonica", for two reasons... first, Monk doubling on the celeste. I think it must be the only time he ever played another instrument on record, let alone two instruments at once, but he must've been aiming for an ethereal quality for this recording and achieves it in his intro and in his solo, where he alternates between celeste and piano. And second... Sonny Rollins. This was made during Sonny's high point, around the time of "Saxophone Colossus", and I think it is probably his strongest ballad solo, and the strongest saxophone solo anyone has played behind Monk, past Rouse and Johnny Griffin and even Coltrane. As great as Rouse is, whenever he is playing the tune, you can hear him get caught up in the trickiness of the bridge, and he invariably runs back to the theme for safety. Sonny, during his solo, has truly possessed and internalized Monk's composition, and brings all of his astonshing self to the solo. Doesn't falter once. And listen towards the end when he throws in those five consecutive ascending glissandos. Then listen to Monk affectionately duplicate them when he gets into his solo. Then listen to some of the other recordings of "Pannonica" over the next 15 years and you'll hear Monk working this phrase in again. A small, wonderful exchange between two artists. The rest of the tunes on "Brilliant Corners" are great, but "Pannonica" is one of those rare ones that is itself worth the price of admission. One can only wish that Monk and Rollins had played and recorded more together-- then I think there would be no question of Monk's supremacy in modern jazz or of Sonny's supremacy on the tenor saxophone.

Which Monk Cd should I choose ?.......2004-12-30

That is one of life's more difficult questions because the more you listen to Monk the more you hear. Certainly that is true on this Cd. It ranks as one of my favorites because the music is so unpredictable and the musicians that are on this particular Monk recording do an amazing job interpreting Monk's compositions. Every cut is different and each has something that just blows me away every time I hear it. Pannonica , the 3rd track is one of Monk's more understated and underrated tunes. His piano playing on that number can only be descibed as sweet. The Blues turnarounds on Bal-Lue Bolivar with Monk and Sonny Rollins are knock-outs and Monk's version of I Surrender Dear is especially unique.
I would be remiss not to mention Max Roach's drumming on this entire cd is fantastic but he particularly shines on Bemsha Swing. Then the icing on the cake is a beautiful trumpet solo on that cut by Clark Terry.
This is certainly one of Monk's finest recordings and on certain nights it is my all-time favorite. Don't miss it.

Average customer rating: The Monks are Boss!!! Black Monk Time - The Monks Brain meltin', free rockin', sky crushin' garage punk boogie from Mars. Black Monk Time is a Blast Much Ado About Nothing

Black Monk Time The Monks Manufacturer: Repertoire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Garage Rock | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Here Are the Sonics Fire of Love The United States of America The Sonics Boom Bad Habits ASIN: B00000729S Release Date: 1994-01-19

Tracks:

1. Monk Time
2. Shut Up
3. Boys Are Boys and Girls Are Choice
4. Higgle-Dy-Piggle-Dy
5. I Hate You
6. Oh, How to Do Now
7. Complication
8. We Do Wie Du
9. Drunken Maria
10. Love Came Tumblin' Down
11. Blast Off!
12. That's My Girl
13. I Can't Get Over You [*]
14. Cuckoo [*]
15. Love Can Tame the Wild [*]
16. He Went Down to the Sea [*]

Album Description

Repertoire reissue of their sole album from 1966 with four bonus tracks, including the singles 'I Can't Get Over You' & 'Love Can Tame The Wild'. Years ahead of their time, the Monks nearly punk rock version of beat music earntthem a reputation as a formidable live act. Other two bonus tracks: 'Cuckoo' & 'He Went Down To The Sea'. 12 track album.

Album Details

The 'Monks' are said to be the first-ever punk group. Originally released in 1966, this version of 'Black Monk Time' (the Monk's lone album) was reissued in 1994 with 4 never before released tracks.

Customer Reviews:

The Monks are Boss!!!.......2007-07-11

Black Monk TimeMonk Time: There really is no-one quite like The Monks. Who would have thought 5 ex-GIs stationed in West Germany in the 60s could produce something as ground breaking as Monk Time? Then again, why not? If you like your Garage Punk raw, raucous, wild and deranged look no further than this album. Years ahead of its time, every song on this album (I have the Retribution Records reissue) absolutely kicks, especially "I Hate You". Don't believe those that preach otherwise! Do yourself a favour.

Black Monk Time - The Monks.......2007-05-12

The Monks were one of the most original groups that emerged in the 1960s. Black Monk Time represents the zenith of their most creative work. They combined the best of R&B with avant garde rhythmic repetition, the latter of which would be explored further by German groups, the Fall and countless others. Black Monk Time is a must-have for anyone who has an appreciation for alternative music.

Brain meltin', free rockin', sky crushin' garage punk boogie from Mars........2007-05-10

Anyone who still insists that punk was born in 1977 as some spanking-new spawn of "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Anarchy in the U.K." should be forced to listen to Monks' debut album. Aside from changing their view of things, it'll probably also turn them off of Never Mind the Bollocks for life.

Released in 1966, before the Summer of Love made peace the answer to all of our problems, before the bodies started piling up in Vietnam, and before Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground made it okay to hate yourself and everyone around you, The Monks' first (and, with the exception of an outtakes compilation, only) studio album is a twisted little masterpiece, an insane musical extravaganza that simply can't be duplicated. Over the course of these songs, the Monks pound, stammer, and bash their way through some of the most wonderfully deranged rock `n' roll music ever put to tape.

Built around one of the coolest rhythm sections ever (Roger Johnston's pounding, primal drumming is bolstered by the stomping bass lines of Eddie Shaw and- best of all- Dave Day, one of the few notable banjo players in the history of rock), the Monks' sound is characterized by bizarre-yet-purposeful lyrics, instrumental breaks that jump from hypnotic drones to hyperactive freak-outs and back again, and a caveman approach to playing music. But if the Monks are cavemen, then they're highly evolved cavemen- it takes a certain kind of genius to take songs like "I Hate You" and "Higgle-Dy-Piggle-Dy" and make them listenable. Fact `o the matter is, not only are these songs listenable, they're ruthlessly catchy, fiercely original, and more fun than skydiving.

Take "I Hate You," for example. Based on a simple, two chord bass-organ-guitar-banjo line, the track could easily have become a meandering cliché. Instead, thanks to its taut, paranoid rhythm, comically enraged lyrics, and the weird, jaunty sense of groove that permeates the whole thing, it's a great cut. And then there are the solos. The song features two logic-defying solos that show off the group at its mind-numbing best. First, Larry Clark's attacks his organ, spiraling off in just about every direction at once, mauling the keys and shooting off sparks in random directions. All of which sets the stage for Gary Burger, who mutilates his guitar and kicks up a thunderstorm of feedback, the likes of which had probably never been heard in the mid-sixties. "Higgle-Dy-Piggle-Dy," meanwhile, is a barnstorming adrenaline rush, driven by a galloping, ferocious percussion attack and spitting forth an invigorating mess of barely controlled instrumental apocalypse. Burger sounds really good here, pounding out a nearly metallic mess of white-noise guitar feedback. The song also demonstrates Gary's oddly powerful vocal abilities- as you've probably guessed by now, he's something of a madman, a surprisingly engaging cross between snotty disaffection, intentional self-parody, and smug inscrutability. He shreds his throat on the song's apparently meaningless, childish lyrics, sounding like he's either possessed by a playful demon, more furious than anybody has ever been before, having the time of his life, or all three. The tribal stomp of "Complication," with its impishly enraged coda of "people die for you," its snarling guitar riff, and its halting rhythms sums up the group's sound fantastically, and makes for a heck of a listen. Then again, so does the rest of the album: "Shut Up" boasts one the wildest, meanest, and coolest refrains ever, while "Oh, How To Do Now" and "Drunken Maria" are some of the catchiest songs to come out of the sixties (which is no small accomplishment). "Monk Time" is a wild, wonderfully warped statement of purpose, decked out with sinewy, seemingly stream-of-consciousness lyrics and a locked-in rhythm section. "That's My Girl" (which was the last song on the original issue of the album, before this reissue tacked a few bonus tracks from the same period on to the end) is a jaunty, hilarious monologue that closes off the proceedings quite nicely.

So, here's the bottom line: Black Monk Time is a ridiculously good, unashamedly weird little treat from beneath the surface of the mid sixties. If you like your rock n roll a little off of the beaten path, purchase this disc and crank it up. Happy listening!

Black Monk Time is a Blast.......2007-03-31

The word Black does not appear in the song Monk Time. That does not take anything away from the song and mostly all the songs on this CD are enjoyable. I find 'Oh How To Do Now' the most appealing. Least appealing would be Cuckoo and He Went Down to the Sea, which oddly seems to be influenced by the Beatles' Ticket to Ride. Cuckoo has unique instumentation but the words are mindless. The band depends on repetition to build their version of 1966 era rock sound. Gary, the singer has the strained, scatchy voice of a weary protester, but makes it work because of the serious nature of some of the songs. I have listened to it about 30 times in 3 weeks. I haven't wearied of it yet.

Much Ado About Nothing.......2006-12-05

Black Monk Time by The Monks is a reissue of the only album from this band that was released in Germany on the Polydor label in 1966. Like virtually of lovers of garage/punk music, I had been aware of The Monks and the mythos surrounding them for a number of years. A group of GIs formed a band that played in German clubs and, after discharge from the military, they remained in Europe and attempted to make a go of it professionally. As with any good legend, the details of what happened are murky. Did the group self-destruct amidst drug use and internal conflicts? Did anti-American feeling block their path to success? Did the US government interfere? Were they another great band that didn't get a break? Were they just not good?

Regardless of the reason(s) for their dissolution, The Monks were little known in Europe and less known in the United States. However, through successful garage/punk renaissance periods between 1975 and the present, the cachet of this outfit grew. Comments were made that The Monks were the creators and emancipators of garage rock; that they were the trend setters for the later punk revolution with their short, blunt, politicized lyrics and near-free form approach to composition. And so, with great anticipation, I obtained a copy of this album in CD format with the obligatory inclusion of extra tracks in the form of their singles.

After listening to it straight through a number of times, I am here to say that it was disappointing in the extreme. The original 12 songs are a swirling mess of styles, ranging from hard-core-like shouted lyrics through Lettermen harmonies to - and I swear this is true - yodeling. There is but minimal consistent form or competency here. It comes across as either a very primitive set of demos or a vanity piece. In terms of the latter presumption, I was forcefully reminded of The Shaggs' daddy-finanaced recording sessions.

Now, there may be those who want to rise up and proclaim that The Monks must be viewed as the prototypes for all that was good and great in the garage and punk genres. They night well content that one must see this as a visionary exhortation for unbridled mayhem in music that for its time is the equivalent of Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the church door.

Nonsense! This is not ground-breaking in the least in terms genre-setting. One only has to listen to The Ramones or Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols! to reach that sublime level of creation. Those two works do fulfil the promise of leading the masses into the unexplored country. Listen to the consistency and comptency of these works. Consider the brilliant independence clarity of purpose and of overall ability.

Then, return to Black Monk Time and try to find something...anything...remotely of the same impact.

It is not there.

Nor is the premise that this was a ground breaking work in its time a valid statement. By 1966, when this album was first issued, the garage scene was well-established, with a number of regional, national and international leading lights. So established was the genre that it was, in point of fact, already transmogrifying into a number of spin-off styles including psychedelia and galm-rock. Such syntheses require that both extant theses and antitheses. In light of that, the claim that this album is some sort of garage/punk Rosetta Stone and that the band members be accorded hagiographic status is absurb, to say the least.

Black Monk Time is nothing but an amateurish mess.

Average customer rating: Review of Thelonious Monk's The Best of the Blue Note Years 30 Years old and the start of greatness Still my favourite Superb Compelling as a listening experience: also, vital history

The Best of the Blue Note Years Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bebop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Monk's Dream Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane Kind of Blue Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Moanin' ASIN: B000005HGN Release Date: 1991-03-26

Tracks:

1. Thelonious
2. Ruby My Dear
3. Well You Needn't
4. April In Paris
5. Monk's Mood
6. In Walked Bud
7. 'Round Midnight
8. Evidence
9. Misterioso
10. Epsitrophy
11. I Mean You
12. Four In One
13. Criss Cross
14. Straight No Chaser
15. Ask Me Now
16. Skippy

Amazon.com essential recording

Blue Note was the first company to give Thelonious Monk the opportunity to record as a leader, and he brought many of his great compositions to these 1947-52 sessions for their first recordings, with groups that included gifted and sympathetic players like drummer Art Blakey and vibraphonist Milt Jackson. This CD's 15 selections contain classic early renditions of the great ballads like "Ruby My Dear" and "'Round Midnight," as well as then-exotic pieces like "Epistrophy" and "Straight, No Chaser" that have since become standard jazz repertoire. Originally released as 78 rpm records, these compressed renditions highlight Monk's innovative structures. This is a distillation of the four-CD Complete Blue Note Recordings, which generously covers this entire, fertile early period. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Review of Thelonious Monk's The Best of the Blue Note Years.......2006-03-22

Thelonious Monk is regarded as one of the most innovative jazz pianists/composers of his time, and this CD - original versions of his most popular pieces - demonstrates why. Unless you are a jazz connoisseur (and I am not), this music will probably strike you as weird at first, but it's worth listening to until you get it. In most of these pieces, Monk is accompanied by both bass and drums, or by bass, drums, saxophone, and trumpet. He sometimes played fast, sometimes sparingly, and sometimes beautiful, but it always seems right. A Washington Post music critic considers this one of the best jazz albums of all time.

30 Years old and the start of greatness.......2005-11-01

Collecting tracks from his earlier blue note albums(genius of modern music volumes 1 and 2)of brilliance is hard to do because each cut is great...now, these 2 remastered cd's really shine with the original artwork and alternate takes...But,this CD is a sampler and the way to go as all reviewers insist..the complexity is all here as Monk strays in his world but it is all very centered,the eccentricity is structured within beautiful music.
The seeds were planted here.

Still my favourite.......2005-07-30

I was about 17 I guess when I lent this CD from the local library. I'd never heard of Monk, I just thought the guy on the photo looked cool and what a name: Thelonious Sphere Monk! It was a whole world opening up to me. I immediately wanted to buy this Cd but it was not available at the time, so I bought Genius of Modern Music, Vol. 1 & 2 instead (but the flow on these 2 CDs with all their alternate takes is not the quite the same as on this one). Since then, i've become a real Monk aficionado but as an introduction to his music, this is still the best there is. Each and every tune is marvellous .... you'll listen to it again and again.

Superb.......2004-02-25

Thelonius Monk is a rare artist, an artist's artist, and this album documents thoroughly the talents displayed by Monk in his early years of recording (late 1940's and early 1950's). A jazz pianist prodigy, schooled and influenced by stride, Monk instantly gravitated to the experimentalist Jazz scene known at that time as Bop. A man of many eccentricities, the most important of which was that Monk tickled the ivories like no other. When you think you've heard it all, again and again, Monk is one of the few that really stands apart.

What more can be said that has not been said by the other reviewers. Perhaps this album is not the ideal for the casual Jazz fan, wanting a taste of Monk from time to time. But its hard to imagine a Jazz piano enthusiast that won't be desiring more and more of his works with the passing of time. Purchase this album and you'll hear Bop in it's infancy. You'll hear Jazz legends such as Art Blakey, Lou Donaldson, Max Roach and Milt Jackson.

This is my personal favorite of all the Monk albums of the dozen or so in my collection despite it having the poorest recording quality. Most of the pieces on this album were re-worked/recorded and inlcuded on later albums with playing time doubled or better. Yet the shorter, original versions seem to capture the essence of each work with no musical verbosity or drowning of that rythym/melody that makes them each so special.

Despite the poor quality of sound, I couldn't find it in my power to rate this album any less than five. The rythyms are just too catchy and unique to give it any less. For someone wanting a video glimpse of the person, Thelonius Monk, check out the authentic shoot "Straight, No Chaser".

Compelling as a listening experience: also, vital history.......2002-07-31

These are the earliest Monk recordings to be issued on CD, apparently. All but one of the 16 short pieces is a Monk original, heard here in its first recorded form. Since Monk reused his compositions time and again, with all kinds of fellow players and at widely varying lengths over more than 20 years, the real Monk fan will find this a must-own, and will compare the later versions to these performances. The songs on this disc might seem sketchy and tentative to some listeners, while others may prefer them to renditions which later doubled the length of many items. There are some sidemen present who later became quite famous, such as Art Blakey on drums and Milt Jackson on vibes, but these late-40's releases are worth having because of the odd, interesting compositions and Monk's own evident talent. If you are a casual jazz fan who wants some Thelonious in the home collection, but who cares not for the historic value of the first records by a genius, try "Thelonious Monk/Sonny Rollins" or "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane" first. Those are even better than this for pure listening pleasure. If you can afford this one as your third Monk disc, you won't be sorry.

Jazz Music:

1. Moonray
2. Mutual Street
3. My Foolish Heart [Live]
4. Nightlife: Late Night
5. North American Tour 1991 [Import]
6. Old Folks
7. Otello
8. Paradise Point
9. Passing Thoughts
10. Piano Jazz: McPartland/Eldridge

Jazz Music

jazz music