Piano Solo (The Centennial Edition)

セロニアス・モンク生誕100周年記念名盤『ピアノ・ソロ』スペシャル・エディションボーナス・トラックとして、レコーディング直前に収録された未発表音源を収録!ジャズ界で最も強烈な才能を持つピアニスト/作曲家、セロニアス・モンクがパリで吹き込んだ生涯初のソロ・ピアノ・アルバム。「ラウンド・ミッドナイト」、「エヴィデンス」、「ウェル・ユー・ニードント」等の名曲の自作自演に加え、ポップス・ナンバー「煙が目にしみる」の斬新なカバーも収められている。モンク・ミュージックのエッセンスが捉えられているといっても過言ではない名盤中の名盤。今作はオリジナル・マスターからのリマスター音源を採用。収録曲順は、モンク本人が当初意図したとおりの並び順で収録されており、およそ20分におよぶボーナス・トラックが収録されている。ボーナス・トラックはアルバム本編のレコーディング前、1954年6月1-3日に収録されたもの。未発表音源を含む。

The nine tunes found here represent Thelonious Monk's solo Vogue recordings from June 7, 1954. These sides were cut by Monk for the Parisian imprint and are considered to be the very first solo studio recordings to feature the pianist. For those interested in hearing the fullness inherent in Monk's performance style, Piano Solo should be considered essential listening -- even more so as the contents boast eight renditions of Monk originals, all of which remained not only essential items in his repertoire, but in time became contemporary jazz standards unto themselves. Suitably, Monk's unofficial theme song commences with a sumptuous "'Round Midnight." It contains all the highly developed changes and quirky nuances that had already become the artist's trademark. Hearing the raw Monk furthers the assertion that when he accompanied himself, he became his own orchestra. "Evidence" swings between alternating scat-like tickling of the 88s and the emphatic yet intentionally off-kilter melody. Particularly enjoyable is the seemingly second nature with which Monk rollicks, bobs, and encases the central theme. The sole cover is a worthy entry of Jerome Kern's pop classic "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes." There is a romantic thoughtfulness woven into the complex chord structures -- especially noticeable during the chorus. The always effervescent and playful "Well, You Needn't" bounds along thanks in part to an energetic stride style that recalls the likes of Willie "The Lion" Smith or the great James P. Johnson. Much the same can be said of "We See" and "Off Minor" as Monk's relaxed, mischievous side is more thoroughly indulged. By the same token, it is always nice to have a version of the good-natured "Eronel," as there are only a handful available. The disc concludes with the upbeat favorite "Hackensack." There is an undeniable hominess and warmth in this rendition, imbued in the conversational qualities of the call-and-response phrases Monk reels off. Although Monk would sporadically be recorded in similarly sparse settings throughout his career, few seem to relate the passion of this seminal session. ~ Lindsay Planer|