Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Sphere Monk. Even the name conveys a sense of mystery and intrigue. An innovative pianist and important composer, Monk has had a deep and lasting effect on the course of jazz. Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, one of his foremost interpreters, noted that “Monk’s music has profound humanity, disciplined economy, balanced virility, dramatic nobility, and innocently exuberant wit.” Another disciple, pianist Randy Weston, says “Not that his music isn't often complex to execute, but it always comes through so clear and accurate, so uncluttered. His music is simple in the sense that it has totality of personality. It's all him.” Saxophone giant John Coltrane, who played in Monk’s quartet in the fifties, remarked... Read More
- City Of Origin:
- Rocky Mount, North Carolina, United States
- Genre:
- Jazz, Bop
- Birthdate:
- 10/10/1917
- Death date:
- 02/17/1982
