Customer Reviews

Marsalis Plays Monk - Standard Time Vol. 4

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This CD is aptly titled in that it's Wynton's take (with the help of Wycliffe Gordon) on Monk --a commentary on the music. Nothing replaces the original, of course, but these are for the most part, strong interpretations of the music by Wynton and his well-known bandmates of the mid-'90s.

For a tribute CD to succeed completely, it has to find real wellsprings of inspiration that put a completely personal stamp on the original music, and "Marsalis on Monk" doesn't quite make that level. In fact, for a good comparison with this CD, check out altoist/flutist James Spaulding's "Brilliant Corners," which in my opinion is just a notch better than this in revisiting and reformulating Monk's work.

The music here is never stale, but many of the cuts strike me as simply very well-played covers of well-known Monk tunes. There are two notable exceptions, however. "Four in One," one of Monk's most challenging pieces is super-charged with energy, and Wynton tears off a brilliant solo near the end. I immediately hit the repeat button after I heard it for the first time. "Green Chimneys" is a terrific set closer, full of authoritative solos and rich group playing that puts to rest the notion that Monk's music can't swing.

I'd also give high marks to Wynton for the choice of material, which includes some infrequently heard minor gems, such as "Let's Cool One," "Reflections," and "Ugly Beauty."

This isn't Marsalis's best album and it isn't the best collection of Monk interpretations, but it easily delivers enough of the goods to make it a solid thumbs up.

Wynton Marsalis is a great trumpeter. No question that he can swing with the best of them. Unfortunately, this "Standard Time" is the second weakest of the "Standard Time" series. Like all great music, it has to be evaluated carefully.

Here's a brief analysis of "Marsalis Plays Monk" -

The playing on the recording, while all-around good, doesn't do anything for me. It's too static and formulaic. The improvisations aren't that great. Marsalis seems to be holding back a bit from letting his imagination do any real kind of creative thinking. It sounds as though he's just going through the motions instead of trying to capture Monk's music. It sounds almost like it's too "New Orleans" to be Monk. I'm fully aware of where Marsalis came from, but Monk's music doesn't really lend itself to this kind of treatment. In fact, Monk's best work is with smaller groups like a quartet. There are too many instruments not blending well together. The unison lines are sloppy and need more rehearsing. This record sounds more like a jam session.

People can say what they want to about this record, but to me, it doesn't hold up very well and it is, for lack of a better word, uninspired.

This album is Monk if you subtract everything that made him a true, quirky-but-methodical original, and the greatest jazz composer ever (or at least tied with Duke for the title). No edges, no grit, no shards...no "brilliant corners", you might say. To be fair, this sort of middling approach may have value to some listeners, and perhaps it will turn someone on to the originals, so perhaps it is not a total waste. At any rate, it's hard for these ears to take.

Why not buy a Steve Lacy record instead?

Fans of Wynton Marsalis and Thelonius Monk will be in heaven as they listen to this CD. Marsalis gives Monk's pieces the respect they deserve while also adding his own accent to these time-honored pieces. One of Marsalis' best!

I love Monk to death and am always exicited when I see/hear someone playing Monks Music. He is simply one of the greatest composers ever, period! He had more imagination and creativity in his writing and playing than anyone else, no discussion needed. Having said that I was disappointed in this CD (unforunately). I always thought Wynton needed to loosen up on his jazz playing and had hoped that in playing Monk's compositons he would be able to do that. Even though he was exposed to Jazz at an early age it almost seems like he learned his classical musicianship too well as he seems like a classical musician playing jazz. It just misses being great jazz. My feeling is why listen to almost great jazz when there is so much great jazz around that you can listened to. I also thought some of the horns tone and overall sound were a little bright sounding and didn't have the richness it needed for Monks music. I am not sure if this is a recording issue or playing issue. As always though he has a great rhythm section behind him. I have heard a liitle of his live CD's at the Village Vanguard and have liked what I have heard and will be buying that. Maybe he just needs to record his jazz live only.

I have enjoyed listening to this album! All I wanted was nothing but fat swing from the main man Thelonius Monk! I recommend this album to jazz listeners everywhere!

This release will satisfy conservative jazz fans and newcomers to Monk's challenging, quirky composititions. But don't look for any real hardcore blowing here, just solid swinging.

I respect Wynton Marsalis he is a musical Genius.but he has Limits.overall i like his classical stuff better than his Jazz stuff.but he does have some tight Jazz stuff but this one isn't it.Marsalis Musical style is more influenced by Louis Armstrong&Duke Ellington which is Wonderful they are two of the Greatest Teachers of Music Period.but Marsalis is too Conservative of a Musician to tackle on Monk's work.Monk was far more risky than anything that Wynton has put out thus far and it shows here.while some of the material works much doesn't.nice attempt but not his bag.and I hope he doesn't try to touch any of Miles Davis stuff cuz that's not in his League.certain folks you just can't touch.

I don't understand those reviewers who bemoan the fact that this album isn't an exact replica of Monk...why would you buy this album for that? I was afraid that was what it was going to be...a nostalgia album mimicing Monk's sound. What you will get are Marsalis' renditions of Monk's tunes. There will be no mistaken, the tunes themselves are Monk's, but the arrangements bear the unmistakeable imprint of Marsalis. This is different and that's what makes Monk's music on this album unique and worth having. Monk's music does not have to sound like Monk to have it recognized as being the genius it is.

An impressive treatment of Monk's music. This is what makes Wynton such a great artist. His respect for the masters is a lesson that every Jazz listener should learn. His tone, attack, and approach are flawless! His heart wrenching expression on "Reflections" proves that Wynton can be be very emotional. Words cannot express the expression of "Brillant Corners". Truly a great recording.