Thelonious Monk - Always Know (1979/2018) [Hi-Res]

The year 2017 will see the centenary of the birth of pianist and composer Thelonious Monk. And although his music was written between the 40s and 60s, it continues to fascinate jazzmen of all generations and all aesthetics. Born of this fascination, Always Know Monk is a kaleidoscopic variation of the repertoire of the composer, repertoire passed to the prism of the many interpretations he has aroused, from Bud Powell to Alexander Von Schlippenbach through Steve Lacy and Paul Motian. The compositions are treated like mobiles, which elements move, mingle, transform, and which unity resides in the force of attraction of the "monkisms" which cross them.

“Boo-Boo’s most ambitious plan was to establish a scholarship program and a theatrical workshop in Monk’s name...calling it Always Know, Two Is One: The Philosophy of Thelonious Sphere Monk. She hoped this ambitious work would draw links between black migration and settlement in the neighborhood, the struggle for civil and human rights and social justice, and the vision and music of Thelonious Monk. Most importantly, Boo-Boo’s dream was to establish a permanent foundation in her father’s name that could support and oversee these specific projects while keeping Monk’s legacy alive.”

"Thelonious Monk fans in particular are advised to search for this valuable two-LP set for it contains a variety of unissued material from the pianist/composer's six-year period with Columbia. Monk is heard on three piano solos, with his regular working quartet, heading a trio on "Easy Street" and at his renowned Lincoln Center concert with a nonet on "Light Blue" and "Bye Ya." The music on this two-fer is at the same consistent high level as his Columbia recordings of the 1960s and contains some surprising moments." (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Thelonious Monk, piano
Steve Lacy, saxophone
Phil Woods, saxophone
Gene Allen, saxophone
Charlie Rouse, saxophone
Butch Warren, bass
Larry Gales, bass
John Ore, bass
Frankie Dunlop, drums
Ben Riley, drums

Produced Teo Macero

Digitally remastered