Monk's ballads

BlueMiles · June-12th-2003, 12:07 PM

Just wondering if anyone wanted to discuss Monk's ballads. There actually don't seem to be that many of them; I couldn't even think of 10. But of course most are known as among the most beautiful and enduring compositions in jazz.

I fluctuate between "Ask Me Now" and "Monk's Mood" as my favorite. Monk's own version on the album "Five by Monk by Five" is just astonishing, and there have been many fine versions of it by other artists. I'm also very fond of "Pannonica," and here Monk certainly has the definitive recording.

Others..."Ruby My Dear, "Round Midnight," "Crepsecule with Nellie," "Ugly Beauty."

shrugs · June-12th-2003, 12:32 PM

They truly are in their own league. Reflections has long been a favorite of mine. Coming On The Hudson as well.

MRS · June-12th-2003, 12:48 PM

I think we should just give him the ASCAP on "I Surrender, Dear"

I guess my fave is "Ask Me Now"

gnhrtg · June-12th-2003, 02:48 PM

I can't choose (and thankfully don't have to) one. Invariable of the perfomer, though I tend to listen to those who please me, I have enjoyed both "Ask Me Now" and "Reflections" (and also most other ballads).

Not considering Monk's own versions (which might be better or worse), my favorite versions of the above are by Thomas Chapin (Sky Piece) and Anthony Braxton (Six Monk's Compositions), respectively.

Squaredancecalling Steve · June-12th-2003, 04:48 PM

As early as 1945, Dizzy was playing a medley of 'Round Midnight and I Can't Get Started. I have a fine version from '63 with James Moody and Kenny Barron. According to my liner notes, Dizzy's "interlude and coda figures proved so effective that even Monk adopted them for performing his own piece."

Dr Dave · June-12th-2003, 05:44 PM

I love to listen to Carmen McRae singing "Ruby My Dear."

BlueMiles · June-12th-2003, 09:56 PM

I should be ashamed of myself for forgetting about "Reflections"--that is a great one.

I'd probably go with Monk again, though technicaly under Sonny Rollins name: Rollins Vol. 2 on Blue Note.

Time to burn my Monk ballad compendium?

bluenoter · June-13th-2003, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David Gitin
Reflections, Ask Me Now, and even Monk's handling (restructuring) of others' ballads, like Just A Gigolo, Remember, have gorgeous melodies, subtle uses of space (phrasing/rhythm).

Monk's version of "Just a Gigolo"--yes! (I was so excited that I forgot to post in my customary font.)

Joe Milazzo · June-13th-2003, 09:53 AM

Don't forget that great arrangement of "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes".

john williams · June-14th-2003, 11:48 AM

Reflections, Ruby My Dear and Crepuscule With Nellie but they are all great.

cookie · June-14th-2003, 02:43 PM

I know Monk isn't the only composer listed on "Round Midnight," but he's certainly the one I think of as regards that great tune.

I think my favorites are "Ugly Beauty" and "Ask Me Now."

I *love* that Carmen sings Monk record. The words on "Ugly Beauty" ("Still We Dream of Love") are drop dead wonderful and Carmen brings them across like probably no one else could. If forced to come clean, I would have to say that Carmen is my favorite singer and Monk is my favorite composer, so the combination on that disc just blew my mind. That disc really affected how I perceive jazz singing. Monk's tunes aren't easy to sing, either. You have to get so inside Monk's *music* to even begin thinking about bringing any lyric to life. The lyric also has to work seamlessly with the music because the music is so strong in and of itself.

ThumPzshn · June-15th-2003, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cookie
I know Monk isn't the only composer listed on "Round Midnight," but he's certainly the one I think of as regards that great tune.

Cootie Williams shares credit for the music (lyrics by Bernie Hanighen). We'll never know who did what.

June-17th-2003, 01:21 PM

Ruby My Dear was one of the first Jazz tunes I ever heard. And it still remains my favorite ballad by any artist. The version he did with Coltrane being my all time favorite.

And although Monk usually did it more uptempo, I always thought his versions of April In Paris clearly put all others to shame. Especially the version with Rouse.

Squaredancecalling Steve · June-17th-2003, 01:50 PM

I love the Carmen McRae Monk album, too.

But also check out the terrific slow vocal version of Blue Monk on Jeanne Lee/Ran Blake's "The Newest Sound Around"!

bluenoter · June-17th-2003, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Ruby My Dear was one of the first Jazz tunes I ever heard. And it still remains my favorite ballad by any artist. The version he did with Coltrane being my all time favorite.

Mine too, Scott (not that there's anything wrong with the version that he recorded with Coleman Hawkins). Did you know that Monk recorded the version with Coltrane and the version with Hawkins only one day apart?