Thelonious Monk in Olslo, Aprill 1966. Charlie Rouse, Tenor sax. Larry Gales, Bass. Ben Riley, Drums. It took 20 years for me to appreciate this man. The first time I heard his work, I just didn't understand the appeal or quite frankly the accolades musicians granted him for his genius playing or compositions. But after a second listening with older ears, I can truly say I really enjoy the outlandish chord voicings and forced time accents. I think the key for me was to not over intellectualize what he played. Perhaps a mistaken approach to music I had in my youth. Or maybe it's necessary when you're young (to wallow in the intellectual facets), but hindering when you're more experienced. It's a bit like philosophy. It's educational to explore your mind's boundaries in your youth, but age and experience tends to mellow the fever. Or maybe it's just as simple as a matter physiology. A young person is physically more capable to expend the energy.
This particular video has good camera shots where you can see much of Monk's piano work. His body motions and stance ties heavily to his musical style. It's very much like that for all musicians. The mind body connection. Most don't consciously realize that.
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