Kronos Quartet - Monk Suite: Kronos Quartet Plays Music Of Thelonious Monk (1985)

On “Monk Suite,” the Kronos Quartet does a great tribute to Jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Truly, it’s a perfect match. This project has today’s most inventive string quartet playing the cerebral and swingin’ music of Monk. As the second most recorded Jazz composer, Thelonious Monk themed projects are far from rare. That said, “Monk Suite” stands out because after all, it’s Kronos. Whether it’s Bill Evans or Philip Glass , the group has a way of making covers their own. Kronos starts things off with a fantastic ‘Well You Needn’t.’ On it, the guest musician steps forward: bassist Ron Carter plays an articulate and passionate solo. Next, the string section does an original interpretation of the quirky ‘Rhythm-A-Ning.’ It also becomes clear at this point that Ron Miles isn’t simply a name slapped onto the packaging as an afterthought. In addition to a solo, he is well integrated into the composition. The group also plays a creative version of the sentimental ‘Crepuscule With Nellie.’ The arrangement accentuates the jagged edges and peculiar phrasing of the original. A bass solo connects ‘Off Minor’ with one of Monk’s most recognizable tunes, ‘Epistrophy.’ Kronos retells ‘’Round Midnight’ by creating a rich sonic texture. The band plays a good ‘Misterioso.’ Since Monk is number two, have you wondered who is the most recorded Jazz composer? As if to answer this question, we’re going to forget for a moment that we’re listening to a Monk tribute because the band next plays Duke Ellington’s ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing.’ Kronos even brings in a drummer to help the tune swing. Keeping the Ellington vibe, the next selection is ‘Black and Tan Fantasy.’ The project finishes with an exciting version of Monk’s ‘Brilliant Corners.’ Given the forty minute length and inclusion of non-Monk material, it’s hard not to miss songs like ‘Blue Monk,’ ‘Ruby, My Dear’ and ‘Trinkle, Tinkle.’ That said, what's here is great. While many tributes simply duplicate the work on the honoree, Kronos puts their chamber music signature on this music. So why is the music of Thelonious Monk so popular to cover? Listen to “Monk Suite” and find out.