Thelonious

 

I can't get away with a picture of this genius in action. Roll the tape.

part of me thinks it would be more accurate to describe this as Thelonious Monk trancing. Dancing doesn't quite do it justice, it also had a deep and spiritual meaning. It meant the rest of the band were tight. They were playing so well all he had to do was to stand back and swing. Not on the piano but swing his body. Paying tribute to the origins of jazz which are rooted in dance.

when we get back to some kind of idea of normal, maybe we could create a day in assorted public places doing the Monk dance, saying everything is fine. In your own style because no one could quite cut it in the style of Monk. As a method of healing. To the music of Monk. Going into a trance of fine.

to give you some small insight into the mind of this genius, there is a great story about Monk standing outside Birdland with the drummer Joe Jones - not Papa or Philly. It's the middle of winter and they're waiting for a lift in the snow. Monk walks to the other side of the street and pulls a penny from his pocket. He hits a power pole with the penny 5 or 6 times then goes back and stands next to Joe. Says nothing. Joe asks about a minute later, "what the hell did you do that for?" 

the reply. " I thought it would make that sound."

I dedicate this post to someone who I introduced to the dancing of Monk earlier.

The Chairman. As far as his backing music alone, I will never be in the position to make this observation - 

" I thought it would make that sound."