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I must say I do very much enjoy playing "Ruby, My Dear" by Monk, what a great set of chord changes to improvise over! I think it's the best song he ever wrote.

I hadn't, but after your post I have since watched this film - fantastic documentary! Thanks for the recommendation - Very interesting!

And thanks for the link Swingin' Barb, great read!

Thank you Manachi for commenting on "Straight, No Chaser". I just put in my Amazon.com order for the used VHS. It didn't take long for me to decide against the DVD that costs over $50.00 .. ouch

imo, I think Monk is a genius. When I first listened to "Straight, No Chaser", I was hooked. I heard it in class on a Friday, went out and bought the CD, and listened to it the whole weekend. His playing just energized me. I just wanted to understand what he was doing on that tune. I still listen to it if I need an emotional pick me up. Love the interaction between him and Charlie Rouse; those two were a musical match made in heaven. Monk is the type of player that you either love or hate. I dig him.. my husband can't tolerate him. LOL

BevP

"Thelonious Monk, a melodious thunk" ... no guesses there?

Monk played what he wanted to play - not what he could play. Monk was trained and studied Chopin and other classical players. He could play many pieces expertly.

There are many anecdotes of Monk playing standards and classical works perfectly and astounding people who had bought into the criticism about Monk's "poor" technique and "wrong" notes.

There is a HUGE difference between ability and preference. Monk had tremendous individuality and he almost never felt any need to prove himself to anyone or play any thing or style he did not feel.

He did not imitate.

How sad for anyone who thinks there are "thousands" of better players.

Yes. Monk is just not comparable to other players, such was his level of individuality.
I don't know if he played Chopin well but I would love to hear what he did to it.

I've just been watching the YouTube clip that inspired this whole thread. Amazing, I think.

The tune "Blue Monk" is about rhythmic displacement, which is what Monk also did so masterfully in "Straight No Chaser". He's giving us shells of the harmony during his initial "hits" on the piano, and while the tenor sax starts playing his solo, Monk is anticipating the changes with his hits. Then he unfolds a tremendous solo himself. Of course, if you don't "get" Monk, you're not going to "get" this clip.