HarmoniMonk

For one of the most unusual sets ever recorded of Thelonious Monk’s music, the jazz and blues harmonica great Randy Weinstein explores seven of Monk’s enduring favorites on HarmoniMonk. Teamed on various selections with guitar, tuba, bass and drums, Weinstein creates a unique tribute to the masterful pianist-composer.

"I set a goal for myself," says Weinstein, who is 65. "Before I die, I want to record my versions of all 70 Monk compositions. That will be my legacy."

Weinstein is a musical omnivore (he's worked with jazz groups, Appalachian fiddle bands, hand-percussion outfits, blues combos, and world-music ensembles), and when asked what it is about Thelonious Monk's music that could keep him invested for a lifetime, he mentions Monk's many influences: "His compositions themselves span so many different periods and styles of jazz, and yet he seamlessly blends all those influences into this singular synthesis. It feels like it comes out of nowhere, but when you listen to it, you can hear his influences. His tunes sound very far out and at the same time very down home and accessible, and there's a lot of blues influence in his playing."

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