Was Thelonious Monk a good piano player?

Was Thelonious Monk a good piano player?

Monk, who was born 100 years ago today, was also one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. The late pianist wrote about 70 songs during his career — many of which have became standards, including the most recorded jazz composition of all time, “‘Round Midnight.”

What did Thelonious Monk contribute to jazz?

Music Career In 1941, Monk began working at Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem, where he joined the house band and helped develop the school of jazz known as bebop. Alongside Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, he explored the fast, jarring, and often improvised styles that would later become synonymous with modern jazz.

What was Thelonious Monk famous for?

Among his best-known works are “Well, You Needn’t,” “I Mean You,” “Straight, No Chaser,” “Criss-Cross,” “Mysterioso,” “Epistrophy,” “Blue Monk,” and “ ‘Round Midnight.” He influenced the flavour of much modern jazz, notably the work of George Russell, Randy Weston, and Cecil Taylor.

Did Thelonious Monk play piano?

Monk started playing the piano at the age of six, taking lessons from a neighbor, Alberta Simmons, who taught him stride playing in the style of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and Eubie Blake. His mother also taught him to play some hymns, and he would sometimes accompany her singing at church.

Did Thelonious Monk go crazy?

For example, Monk often has been portrayed as eccentric, but Kelley says Monk actually suffered from bipolar disorder. Monk sometimes was portrayed as primitive, but Kelley says Monk possessed an impressive knowledge of and appreciation for Western classical music, gospel music, American popular songs, and art songs.

Did Thelonious Monk have perfect pitch?

Monk wasn’t born with some kind of natural musical knowledge and ability, nor was he entirely self-taught (though he did have perfect pitch). He received a formidable music education and worked very hard to achieve his distinctive sound. Nor did he withdraw into an isolated musical meditation, away from the world.

Is Thelonious Monk on drugs?

While no account exists of Monk using heroin (and certainly not intravenously), he was unfortunately fond of alcohol and taking “whatever was around.” This created problems, not least on his perilous journeys outside New York, when he accepted hallucinogens from people he hardly knew.

What made Thelonious Monk unique?

Monk is famous for his unique piano style. He sometimes flattened his fingers when he played the piano and used his elbows and forearms to get the sound he wanted. Monk never spoke to his audience and rarely granted interviews—he preferred to let his music speak for itself.

Who Is the Loneliest Monk?

Is Thelonious Monk schizophrenic?

You make a very strong case for your conclusion that Monk was a manic-depressive. The diagnoses in his medical records range from schizophrenia to, eventually, what we know today as bipolar disorder.

Is Thelonious Monk still alive?

Deceased (1917–1982)
Thelonious Monk/Living or Deceased

What style is Thelonious Monk?

Thelonious Sphere Monk was an American composer and jazz pianist who contributed to the cool jazz, hard bop, and bebop styles of music.

Who are the Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk?

Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk. Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk is a studio album released in 1958 on Atlantic Records, catalogue SD 1278. It is a collaboration between the Jazz Messengers, the group led by drummer Art Blakey, and special guest Thelonious Monk on piano.

When did Art Blakey and Thelonious Monk record?

Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk is a studio album released in 1958 on Atlantic Records, catalogue SD 1278. It is a collaboration between the Jazz Messengers, the group led by drummer Art Blakey, and special guest Thelonious Monk on piano. The album is the only time Monk recorded for the Atlantic label.

Who are the musicians on Thelonious Monk tribute album?

That’s The Way I Feel Now: A Tribute To Thelonious Monk (1984), an album featuring different groupings of rock and jazz musicians on each song including Steve Lacy, Donald Fagen, Todd Rundgren, Peter Frampton, Carla Bley, Joe Jackson, Gil Evans and Was Not Was.

What did Thelonious Monk wear to his performances?

Monk was renowned for a distinct look which included suits, hats, and sunglasses. He was also noted for an idiosyncratic habit during performances: while other musicians continued playing, Monk would stop, stand up, and dance for a few moments before returning to the piano.