Thelonious Monk - Ugly Beauty

[JHan]

[PJMcK]

1. Monk has always thrown me

When I hear his music, it's always with two ears, (pardon the pun): one ear hears the music intellectually and recognizes the brilliance of inspiration and execution while the other ear hears with my personal taste and it jars against my aesthetics.

It's a curious effect and I've often found a similar experience with Brahms' music.

Regardless of my personal taste, thanks for the post!

[JHan]

2. Yeah I hear you.., while I love his quirkiness and eccentricity..

I get jittery watching live footage of his performances...I'm constantly surprised his fingers were able to do what they did or even reach certain keys lol.. He really was a departure from the elegance, style, and persona of Ellington yet his compositions were as interesting and complex as Ellington's.

Of all his work, Ugly Beauty stands out for me.. I think it's hauntingly beautiful and the cover art for the Underground album captures quintessential monk.

[PJMcK]

3. Monk's dexterity was remarkable!

When you can see the films of his performances, like you wrote, they are works of art!

But the edginess of his style chafes against my personal taste. And yet, I respect all of his accomplishments and I like many of his performances and compositions.

It's strange when taste, style, aesthetics and personal preferences collide!