Friday, June 10, 2011

Thelonious Monk: If you play a note that sounds wrong, just keep playing it until it sounds right.


TCM recently aired a Clint Eastwood documentary "Thelonoius Monk: Straight No Chaser." In the clip above, Monk is working out the head with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse. The tune is "Boo Boo's Birthday" named for Monk's daughter. The tune has an unusual harmonic structure and is 21 bars in length. Charlie is seen here making sure he understands it. Working out new material is, for me, one of the best parts of a good jazz session.

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