37- Blue Monk and Thelonious Monk

Standards Rating 9 Difficulty Rating 5

Thelonious Monk, a pioneering jazz pianist and composer, was instrumental in developing bebop. Born in 1917, he was known for his unique style of dissonance, unusual harmonies, and inventive rhythmic approaches. Despite initial skepticism, Monk's work eventually earned him recognition as one of jazz's most influential figures. His composition "Blue Monk," first recorded in 1954, is a standout piece that highlights his distinctive approach to the blues. It follows a 12-bar blues form but introduces innovative elements, such as omitting the IV chord in measure 10 and using chromaticism and intervallic jumps in the melody. These features and rhythmic motifs make "Blue Monk" a jazz standard that challenges and intrigues musicians. Monk's recordings of this piece, including the 1954 session with Art Blakey and Percy Heath, showcase his experimental style against a steady rhythmic backdrop. "Blue Monk" remains a testament to Monk's ability to transform traditional forms into something uniquely his own, solidifying his legacy in jazz history.

Thelonious Monk https://youtu.be/P7y1nMkYeRE?si=NBk9dX-Vs_L7Y5AD

Chick Corea https://youtu.be/-u_aMkqS1P4?si=cYhey60IQ6JxRpWX

Curated Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5bla6DuepTMq3kdzUlXTy7?si=84abe50b5b8c4e97