Thelonious Monk — Straight, No Chaser
Album: Best Of The Blue Note YearsAvg rating:
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Length: 2:55
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More glockenspiel!
I'm telling ya all:
If you go see Bob Dylan on tour now, he is only playing piano.
His style has a "Monk" sound to it.
I'm telling ya.
If you go see Bob Dylan on tour now, he is only playing piano.
His style has a "Monk" sound to it.
I'm telling ya.
Far wrote:
Your comment is crap! What are YOU good at? ...eh?
Jazz is crap.
Your comment is crap! What are YOU good at? ...eh?
idiot_wind wrote:
I Agree!!
We should all try to walk down the street, the way this song sounds.
I Agree!!
Far wrote:
Parc si zzaj
Jazz is crap.
Parc si zzaj
Steely_D wrote:
Dang, I'm changing mine right now! ; )
Oh, come on. Having the middle name "Sphere" immediately makes him cooler than any of us will ever be.
Dang, I'm changing mine right now! ; )
Kaw wrote:
Well, it's still just the best fitting theory. It's not proven. It just seems to fit fairly well. Just like back in the days when scientists had complex theories until Einstein came with a much simpler and better explanation.
...if a tree falls over in a forest, and there's no one there to hear it, is it ok to take it home for fire wood?
Well, it's still just the best fitting theory. It's not proven. It just seems to fit fairly well. Just like back in the days when scientists had complex theories until Einstein came with a much simpler and better explanation.
...if a tree falls over in a forest, and there's no one there to hear it, is it ok to take it home for fire wood?
bam23 wrote:
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Well, it's still just the best fitting theory. It's not proven. It just seems to fit fairly well. Just like back in the days when scientists had complex theories until Einstein came with a much simpler and better explanation. More straight and no chaser.
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Well, it's still just the best fitting theory. It's not proven. It just seems to fit fairly well. Just like back in the days when scientists had complex theories until Einstein came with a much simpler and better explanation. More straight and no chaser.
I want to create a cocktail with Midori melon liqueur. Something really strong. I'll call it "Melonious Thunk!"
Simply a genius.
I LOVE IT!!!
The precusror to trippy rnr 15 years later.
I used to not care for jazz. The older I get, the more I appreciate it. This is excellent.
Edweirdo wrote:
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
I'll bet $100.00 that he is FAR MORE "EPT" THAN YOU!!!!
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
I'll bet $100.00 that he is FAR MORE "EPT" THAN YOU!!!!
His Divineness at his best 👍👍👍
Far wrote:
Jazz is crap.
Edweirdo wrote:
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
It's one thing to say you don't like Monk's music. But to say he was almost inept is outrageous.
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
It's one thing to say you don't like Monk's music. But to say he was almost inept is outrageous.
thats the trippy stuff...cat daddy
Milt Jackson (of Modern Jazz Quartet) on vibes, Charlie Rouse (fantastic studio musician) on tenor sax.
Thelonious on cool.
Thelonious on cool.
Perhaps the coolest name in jazz. Thelonious Sphere Monk.
Miles Dewey Davis III comes close ...
Miles Dewey Davis III comes close ...
It took me decades to appreciate Monk. When I was in my twenties I had friends who where just nuts about him. Thankfully I stuck with it.
Fun fact: Thelonious is the uncle of football legend Art Monk. Yes, it's true. What an interesting group of people!
Fun fact: Thelonious is the uncle of football legend Art Monk. Yes, it's true. What an interesting group of people!
alainh wrote:
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
For me the best jazz pianist ever!
As a pianist myself, my opinion is that he was barely ept. Give me Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson or, in the modern age, the incomparable Hiromi.
Luckily there's room for all tastes on the wonderful RP.
Calling Milt Jackson a Xylophonist.. really? seriously? The man plays a Vibraphone! It is not your mobile switched to silent. It is made of metal, not wood. Xylos being Greek for wood, just like the big boards in front of your heads.
Merci RP.
burdell wrote:
Improvisation is kinda the point of Jazz.
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
Improvisation is kinda the point of Jazz.
VH1 wrote:
Agreed!
Errol Garner
Agreed!
Errol Garner
No offense intended, but... I guess this is how Helge Schneider would sound if he'd lack any humor.
Far wrote:
We're all awaiting your next in depth review of other musical genres. Maybe next time don't be so verbose. In the meantime, may joy surround your essence...and may sense slap you hard in the face!
Jazz is crap.
We're all awaiting your next in depth review of other musical genres. Maybe next time don't be so verbose. In the meantime, may joy surround your essence...and may sense slap you hard in the face!
bam23 wrote:
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Nice lone down-vote burdell.
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Nice lone down-vote burdell.
Ihatethissong wrote:
Or Art Monk his nephew.
Not to be confused with the loneliest monk
Or Art Monk his nephew.
alainh wrote:
Although not familiar with his work until RP introduced me, I have no doubt that, as blessed as God made TM, He has him now doing backup for the angels! RIP Mr. Monk.
For me the best jazz pianist ever!
Although not familiar with his work until RP introduced me, I have no doubt that, as blessed as God made TM, He has him now doing backup for the angels! RIP Mr. Monk.
Far wrote:
And why is that
Jazz is crap.
And why is that
Jazz is crap.
VH1 wrote:
Agreed!
Hold it. What about McCoy Tyner?
Agreed!
Hold it. What about McCoy Tyner?
idiot_wind wrote:
Sounds like struttin'!
We should all try to walk down the street, the way this song sounds.
Sounds like struttin'!
alainh wrote:
Agreed!
For me the best jazz pianist ever!
Agreed!
Was Thelonious...Felonious?
Shmelo wrote:
This isn't big band.
With a Big Band behind this...this is great Jazzed up Big Band music.
This isn't big band.
With a Big Band behind this...this is great Jazzed up Big Band music.
bam23 wrote:
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Well said.
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Well said.
Jota wrote:
Dunno what it is about most jazz but it just grinds my gears.
Great album name!
Back in the 80's I'd hang out in the second floor jazz section of the Tower Records close to GWU in D.C. as it was always and forever the coolest place to hear the greats of the 50's and 60's being played while I browsed the LP's. Just being there listening was an education in itself. The jazz, being downtown, I just loved the city so much. Well, I moved away and now I've moved back. No more Tower records but the jazz is around and about and I still love the city.
We should all try to walk down the street, the way this song sounds.
Steely_D wrote:
This should remove any lingering doubts about Monk's coolness:
Oh, come on. Having the middle name "Sphere" immediately makes him cooler than any of us will ever be.
This should remove any lingering doubts about Monk's coolness:
Steely_D wrote:
The other coolness factor was his persona on stage and off. He was a little weird and a cool cat, and he looked it. We should all be so lucky.
Oh, come on. Having the middle name "Sphere" immediately makes him cooler than any of us will ever be.
The other coolness factor was his persona on stage and off. He was a little weird and a cool cat, and he looked it. We should all be so lucky.
Oh, come on. Having the middle name "Sphere" immediately makes him cooler than any of us will ever be.
Was that Milt Jackson on vibes? <3
For me the best jazz pianist ever!
Neat!
Philchill wrote:
Reminds me of Steve Vai describing his love of Zappa.. because he breaks all the rules.
Have to admit I prefer my jazz in small doses (pretty much what you get on RP), but first time I heard Monk I thought 'WTF! Has this guy found some scales no-one else knows about?'
It shouldn't work, but somehow you're intrigued and have to keep listening..
Do yourself a favor and watch that.
Straight-up WILD kind of playing with the idea of what Music is, does, and can do. Donald Fagen played with it too, on his Nightfly stuff
Reminds me of Steve Vai describing his love of Zappa.. because he breaks all the rules.
Have to admit I prefer my jazz in small doses (pretty much what you get on RP), but first time I heard Monk I thought 'WTF! Has this guy found some scales no-one else knows about?'
It shouldn't work, but somehow you're intrigued and have to keep listening..
Genius
If you listen to this too much, you end up walking like characters wearing bowler hats in the old Monty Python skits...walking sideways, in circles, taking giant steps.
Honest.
Honest.
Kaw wrote:
Bill, this suggestion has my vote. That's two of us, is that enough to sway?
Bill, this suggestion has my vote. That's two of us, is that enough to sway?
Saw Thelonius melt down on the piano bench in the Colonial Tavern in the early 70's, he really disappointed me, until some years later I learned that he was manic depressive by that point.
This, however, is brilliant.
This, however, is brilliant.
Flat-out one of the coolest jazz grooves ever. When I first heard this — I mean, paid attention to what's going on here — it moved me...
Blankety Blank, Blankety Blank, Blankety Blank..................................................................Blankety Blank !
burdell wrote:
It isn't a xylophone, it's a vibraphone. You really shouldn't have posted your comment, no?
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
It isn't a xylophone, it's a vibraphone. You really shouldn't have posted your comment, no?
burdell wrote:
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
Well it IS mostly improvised and that's exactly what makes it incredible. Only the most elite musicians can competently pull this off.
I don't see how anyone can discount a song because it has an extended solo with ANY instrument, it's a pretty small minded way to approach music.
I really would love this followed up by Yes - Sound chaser
helgigermany wrote:
I am not a fan of big band sound, but this is cool!
This isn't big band.
I am not a fan of big band sound, but this is cool!This isn't big band.
Dunno what it is about most jazz but it just grinds my gears.
Every time I hear this song. it stops me from whatever I'm doing and my brain gets focused on this song. It's like a dog whistle.
helgigermany wrote:I am not a fan of big band sound, but this is cool!big band? Oy.
I am not a fan of big band sound, but this is cool!Jaaazzzzz!!! Oh yeah!
Rotterdam wrote:
I'm so with you man
The tombstone post made me laugh out really loud...
There also is the reality that people rarely get into jazz after 30 or 40. And I totally get that. It's a trip, you get jazz or you don't. I had a brother 9 years older, so I got to hear jazz in my early teens and that was that. Not sure at all that I could roll with it if I discovered it today (I'll be 50 next year, so you get the idea!)
Radio Paradise is such a fantastic place.
You know what? I think that any song that stimulates the kind of discussions seen below is an act of genius.
Besides which, it just is. Genius. A 10 from me, with much admiration and respect to Mr. Monk's memory.
Besides which, it just is. Genius. A 10 from me, with much admiration and respect to Mr. Monk's memory.
I'm so with you man
The tombstone post made me laugh out really loud...
There also is the reality that people rarely get into jazz after 30 or 40. And I totally get that. It's a trip, you get jazz or you don't. I had a brother 9 years older, so I got to hear jazz in my early teens and that was that. Not sure at all that I could roll with it if I discovered it today (I'll be 50 next year, so you get the idea!)
Radio Paradise is such a fantastic place.
I am not a fan of big band sound, but this is cool!who are we to rate Monk?
Walking sideways and in circles...two forward...one back.
Like cool, dadio.
Like cool, dadio.
You know what? I think that any song that stimulates the kind of discussions seen below is an act of genius.
Besides which, it just is. Genius. A 10 from me, with much admiration and respect to Mr. Monk's memory.
Besides which, it just is. Genius. A 10 from me, with much admiration and respect to Mr. Monk's memory.
I want to change my name to Thelonious Monk. What a name. 😄
bam23 wrote:
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
I liked a little quantum- the early stuff like maybe just DeBroglie, Planck, Bohr... But that Schroedinger, Feynman junk that came later- phooey!
2020sk wrote:
The xylophone solo alone deserves a 10, but that repetitive brass sound takes it down a slight notch - for British listeners, does it remind anyone else of the theme to Blankety Blank? If you're not British and you don't know what I'm on about, consider yourself lucky! (Oh I know Blankety Blank came later, but as a kid, my parents never exposed me to Thelonius Monk!)
The xylophone solo alone deserves a 10, but that repetitive brass sound takes it down a slight notch - for British listeners, does it remind anyone else of the theme to Blankety Blank? If you're not British and you don't know what I'm on about, consider yourself lucky! (Oh I know Blankety Blank came later, but as a kid, my parents never exposed me to Thelonius Monk!)
burdell wrote:
The xylophone solo alone deserves a 10, but that repetitive brass sound takes it down a slight notch - for British listeners, does it remind anyone else of the theme to Blankety Blank? If you're not British and you don't know what I'm on about, consider yourself lucky!
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
The xylophone solo alone deserves a 10, but that repetitive brass sound takes it down a slight notch - for British listeners, does it remind anyone else of the theme to Blankety Blank? If you're not British and you don't know what I'm on about, consider yourself lucky!
burdell wrote:
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
On your tombstone, it will read:
Burdell.
Never liked Jazz.
burdell wrote:
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I never liked quantum mechanics. My attempts to derive Schroedinger's equation from first principles were never very successful. therefore I can only conclude that it does not make sense. Proof is that they use imaginary numbers.
Walking sideways...back and then forth....in a circle. Crazy man...crazy.
The original song to make you walk forward, backwards, sideways, in a circle, at a tilt...while keeping a melodic/harmonic groove in a crazy syncopation.
Never liked Jazz. Sounds like they're just making it up as they play.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
I don't see how anyone can rank a song as a ten that has an extended xylophone solo.
Monk is immortal. 10/10
..totally in the groooove..... 
....
.... great expression of the joy of life, eh?
Highlowsel wrote:
Among the top 100 of the Universe? HA! If there's any truth to the Multi-verse theory I'll wager there's an entire Universe composed and structured solely on this rhythm. Can you imagine?
Highlowsel wrote:
Among the top 100 of the Universe? HA! If there's any truth to the Multi-verse theory I'll wager there's an entire Universe composed and structured solely on this rhythm. Can you imagine?
Jams like this never quite go out of style, or never do for very long. Absolutely electric stuff; totally charged and infused with the pulse!
kingart wrote:
Among the top 100 of the Universe? HA! If there's any truth to the Multi-verse theory I'll wager there's an entire Universe composed and structured solely on this rhythm. Can you imagine?
Super-la-tive piano, sax, vibes, drums. Is this merely jazz or among the Top 100 of the Universe? Only one problem: it's about 20 minutes too short.
Among the top 100 of the Universe? HA! If there's any truth to the Multi-verse theory I'll wager there's an entire Universe composed and structured solely on this rhythm. Can you imagine?
blue-ice wrote:
Yes, you do have it wrong: it's a vibraphone - probably being played by Milt Jackson.
Xylophone? Maybe I have this one wrong... Xylophone... WTF. no. never.
Yes, you do have it wrong: it's a vibraphone - probably being played by Milt Jackson.
Xylophone? Maybe I have this one wrong... Xylophone... WTF. no. never.
Super-la-tive piano, sax, vibes, drums. Is this merely jazz or among the Top 100 of the Universe? Only one problem: it's about 20 minutes too short.
idiot_wind wrote:
I'll keep that in mind next time I drive.
Ah!!!!
The trippy, helter, skelter, sideways walking, original. This is so jaw dropping.
I suggest you don't drive when you listen to this. You will vear off the road into the cosmos.
Miles D version is good but a little too smooth.
The trippy, helter, skelter, sideways walking, original. This is so jaw dropping.
I suggest you don't drive when you listen to this. You will vear off the road into the cosmos.
Miles D version is good but a little too smooth.
I'll keep that in mind next time I drive.
T-Monk is one of the coolest dudes in the history of music.
More pleaaaaaaaaaase !
idiot_wind wrote:
This forum seriously needs a "Like" feature. Great comment.
Yeah baby.
The trippiest song ever.
The starting point for alot of later RnR.
Yeah baby...learn to walk sideways on tis song in a very cool cadence.
The trippiest song ever.
The starting point for alot of later RnR.
Yeah baby...learn to walk sideways on tis song in a very cool cadence.
This forum seriously needs a "Like" feature. Great comment.
where the fekk have I been all these years?
Bummer. Playlist shows "Empire Escape - Silhouettes", and now "The Fixx - Stand or Fall."
Them youngun's ain't never gonna figger this out. Fer the rester their lives, they're gonna think The Fixx plays killer nightclub jazz.
Them youngun's ain't never gonna figger this out. Fer the rester their lives, they're gonna think The Fixx plays killer nightclub jazz.
Cruisin' down Pacific Coast Highway in a rag top and listening to this song...priceless.
Yeah baby.
The trippiest song ever.
The starting point for alot of later RnR.
Yeah baby...learn to walk sideways on tis song in a very cool cadence.
The trippiest song ever.
The starting point for alot of later RnR.
Yeah baby...learn to walk sideways on tis song in a very cool cadence.
better than buttered frogs... love it...
Sweeeeet! More Jazz, more Jazz!!!!
What else but god-like? C'mon! It's Thelonious Monk!
better than sweet potatoes... love this music...
Thank you RP! Was hankering for some MJQ yesterday. This'll do! I LOVE vibes.
Odiferous Skunk!
manmar wrote:
manmar wrote:
Melodious Thunk!
More Monk and more classic jazz greats please Bill. It is obvious from the ratings that there are a lot of fans here but only 2 Monk tracks in the library! 
Following "I Zimbra"; gotta love RP!
helgigermany wrote:
Um, what?
Wow! This is high rated, but not for me! I am not a fan of Big Band Sounds!
Um, what?
Wow! This is high rated, but not for me! I am not a fan of Big Band Sounds!
Sweet Jesus.
YES YES YES
YES!
Ahhhhhhhhhhh.................. Love this one! thanks Bill
Classic! 
Love you RP!
One of my favorite albums!
Ah!!!!
The trippy, helter, skelter, sideways walking, original. This is so jaw dropping.
I suggest you don't drive when you listen to this. You will vear off the road into the cosmos.
Miles D version is good but a little too smooth.
The trippy, helter, skelter, sideways walking, original. This is so jaw dropping.
I suggest you don't drive when you listen to this. You will vear off the road into the cosmos.
Miles D version is good but a little too smooth.
Is that Hamp on vibes?