Sunset

"Sunset" by Thelonious Monk is a captivating live album that captures the essence of the jazz legend's unique piano style and his quartet's masterful navigation of his complex compositions. Recorded in March 2023 and released on June 16, 2023, under Blue Shrimp Recordings, this album is a testament to Monk's enduring influence on modern jazz. The album spans 51 minutes and encompasses a variety of jazz styles, including bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz.

The tracklist features a mix of Monk's original compositions and standards, such as "I Mean You," "Blue Bolivar Blues," and "Round Midnight," all performed live with the energy and spontaneity that Monk was known for. The album opens with "Tuning - Audience - Live" and includes an introduction by George Wein, setting the stage for an intimate and engaging listening experience.

Monk's distinctive approach to piano shines through in each track, showcasing his signature dissonances, rhythmic complexity, and melodic inventiveness. The quartet's tight-knit playing and dynamic interplay create a sense of unity and cohesion that is characteristic of Monk's music.

"Sunset" is not just a collection of live performances; it's a celebration of Thelonious Monk's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world of jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Monk's music, this album offers a thrilling and immersive journey into the heart of modern jazz.

Thelonious Monk, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his distinctive improvisational style and significant contributions to the jazz canon. As one of the founders of modern jazz, Monk's unique approach to rhythm, space, and harmony set him apart, making him the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. His compositions, such as "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", and "Straight, No Chaser", are staples of the genre. Monk's deliberately quirky playing, which often challenges conventional notions of rhythm and harmony, might take some time to appreciate, but his brilliance as a composer and pianist is undeniable. Growing up in New York, Monk began playing piano at the age of five and honed his craft throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on jazz history.