The great recognition for the American jazz pianist, composer and bebop pioneer Thelonious Monk started late. Almost too late for Monk himself, who already had a troubled career behind him when he started drawing full houses in Europe in the sixties. In 1969 he was 52 years old and was struggling with health problems. In addition, only saxophonist Charlie Rouse had remained loyal to him from his
… original band. With a young rhythm section, he played on December 15 that year in the Parisian Salle Pleyel, in front of a sold-out hall and the cameras of national television. Blue Note (the label on which he released his first records in the late 1940s) is releasing this beautifully arranged edition of the complete concert. Monk is understandably not at best, but struggles passionately with his well-known rough and bumpy style through his immortal compositions like Ruby My Dear and Straight No Chaser. With Nutty, veteran Philly Joe Jones climbs behind the drums to show with his driving force what a difference a good drummer makes. Especially this ten-minute version makes listening to Paris 1969 worthwhile. (MR)more
