"I'm famous, ain't that a bitch." Thus opens the soundtrack of the only documentary on the life of Thelonious Sphere Monk. Monk is an immensely important figure in 20th century music, not only as a virtuoso jazz pianist, but also one of the most innovative composers of any musical form. Although far from comprehensive, the soundtrack nevertheless achieves a satisfying cross-section of Monk tunes, from the infectious clunkiness of "Pannonica" and "Trinkle, Tinkle" to the painfully beautiful blue tones of the aptly named "Ugly Beauty." Interspersed with narration, as well as unreleased rehearsals and snatches of unguarded conversation gathered during the making of the film, these selections do an admirable job of capturing the complexity of Monk's life and music in fairly limited space. The biographical data provided in the narration, along with the accessible selections, makes the soundtrack an excellent introduction to Monk's larger body of work, while the inclusion of out-takes and audio snapshots of the man himself makes STRAIGHT NO CHASER desirable even to Monk connoisseurs. This CD reissue of one of Thelonious Monk's most accessible (and commercially successful) albums differs greatly from the 1967 LP. Besides previously unavailable takes of Duke Ellington's "I Didn't Know About You," Monk's own "Green Chimneys" and the rare and exquisite piano solo "This Is My Story, This Is My Song," the CD includes previously unheard takes of three of the album's original six tracks. The time differences in these versions are substantial: the title track is lengthened by nearly a minute, the classic "We See" by 2:47 and "Japanese Folk Song (Kojo No Tsuki)" by a whopping 5:41. (For purists, Columbia reissued the original album on vinyl in 1998.) As always, the more Monk the better, but the added material is particularly welcome in this case, as STRAIGHT NO CHASER finds the pianist and his quartet partners--tenor Charlie Rouse, drummer Ben Riley and brilliant bassist Larry Gales--at the height of their considerable powers. Original score composed by Thelonious Monk.
Includes liner notes by Orrin Keepnews and Charlotte Zwerin. All tracks have been digitally remastered. Recording information: Columbia Records, New York, NY (11/14/1966-01/10/1967); Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York, NY (11/14/1966-01/10/1967); Columbia Records 30th Street Studio, New York, NY (11/14/1966-01/10/1967).
This cd release is a showcase for Monk's last great group from the late 60's. Monk's piano is backed by the painfully underrated Charlie Rouse on tenor, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. Monk's soloing is inspired and creative throughout. He swings hard on the title track, as well as the little know gem that opens the album, Locomotion. Of the two solo pieces, This is My Story, This is My Song stands out as a sweet soulful display of Monk's unique touch and harmonic sense. Charlie Rouse's warm round tenor remains with Coltrane, and Johnny Griffin as Monk's most complimentary soloists. His robust tone on the title track and Locomotion is countered by his sensitive interpritations of I didn't Know About You and Japanese Folk Song (Kojo No Tsuki). More beneficial to the listener than the standard "bonus tracks" are the restored bass and drum solos. Riley is a propulsive soloist, his bursting fills complimenting Monk's chording perfectly. Riley explores his instrument's range fully as a soloist and as an accompanist, developing consistenly interesting solos. The musicians are completely comfortable with the material, and each performance is definative, easily rewarding repeated listenings. The music benifits from superior recording quality as well, it sounds warm and full even on my $20 computer speakers! This is the first jazz cd I ever purchased, and remains a personal favorite. It not only is a perfect indroduction to Monk and Jazz, but will reward and delight long time fans of the man and the music. Highly Recommened!
01 - Locomotive - 6:41
02 - I Didn't Know About You [Take 4] - 6:52
03 - Straight, No Chaser - 11:29
04 - Japanese Folk Song (Kojo No Tsuki) - 16:43
05 - Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea - 7:37
06 - We See - 11:38
07 - This Is My Story, This Is My Song - 1:42
08 - I Didn't Know About You [Take 1] - 6:50
09 - Green Chimneys - 6:35
Thelonious Monk - piano
Charlie Rouse - tenor sax
Larry Gales - bass
Ben Riley - drums
