I'd have to say he's got to be one of my faves of the 40's-60's timeframe, the improvisation was great, his piano playing was amazing and quite different than the usual stuff going on at the time and far ahead of anything that was going on..."Brilliant Corners", "It's Monk Time", and "Criss-Cross" are 3 of my faves from this underrated guy...

sorry, I didn't notice you making this thread...I'm a bad mod, really bad :whiping:

So, monk is one of my favourites. I'm too learning the piano, because I've always wanted to play it. Even though I suck big time Monk is a great inspiration to me. I really love his improvisations, this guy was a genius.

yes, this is why he has 2 volumes titled "The Genius of Modern Music" :tongue:

Actually, I'd say to this day...to hell with comparisons during his own time. He influenced a lot of avant-players with the way he handled his chords and how he interacted with his groups, but honestly, I can't think of a single pianist who really sounds anything like Thelonious Monk...certainly not in a bop setting...truly a genius of modern music.

I have heard less than 10 albums by this man, honestly...I need to get going with more purchases!

this thread is almost a year old Seba!

Well, at least it shows you can use the search function.

Yes, so it's a bit old...but we may as well make use of it...

...No thoughts on Monk, Geoff?

I love Monk.

I also love Monk.

plus he could spin on the bench while playing those augmented 5th progressions. what a crazy man; he just went out there and did his thing. so unconventional, but this is why he was so brilliant.

tunes like Ruby My Dear set the precedent for me in pianistic exploration through harmony and rhythm.

noone would dare to even TRY to do what he did on the piano. i mean, look how he reaches octaves..noone plays octave movement like he did--though it's not a good idea to try and mimik! HAHA