Cheap Straight, No Chaser (Music) (Thelonious Monk) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Straight, No Chaser

A Creative Jazz Masterpiece
This is essential Thelonious Monk and for those who know little to nothing about jazz but want an introduction, this is an excellent CD to begin the journey. The combination of Monk's compositions & piano mastery and Charlie Rouse on tenor sax yields creative jazz perfection throughout the entire album. This remains one of my personal favorites because of the improvisational yet contemplative jazz mood it creates. Faint nuances of Monks improvisational ramblings in the background of some selections add an even more human quality to these already intimate jazz compositions.

For serious Monk fans, there is also a VHS video documentary entitled "Straight, No Chaser" which highlights the life of this creative and somewhat mysterious jazz genius. It also includes some very interesting interviews with Monk and some live concert footage which allow you to see "Mr. Misterioso" at work on his piano.

---

Perfect, no kidding
If you love Jazz or just love great musical compositions, then Straight, No Chaser will become an instant favorite. Even if you have heard Straight, No Chaser, years ago, this updated reissue is something very special to the ears. Beautiful playing all the way around. Recording quality that will make you feel very good and tunes that will put bounce in your heart. Timeless Jazz that will quickly confirm why some people say that in Jazz, and music in general, never has there been anyone like Thelonius Monk. The other great thing about this CD is that it is a great value. Here is a whole lot of music and not a single cut will you want to skip over. Pop this in your player and be pleased.

---

Personal favorite
Being a later recording, the sound quality is even better, and Monk's abilities never really faltered. It's just a matter of which of his bands you like the best. Personally I think the big difference was bassist Larry Gales over John Ore. On these tracks, particularly the title track, and all throughout the "It Club" sessions from around this time, Gales thumps exuberantly. His Erroll Garner-like vocalizations distracted me at first, but no longer. However, the real star of the show--as always--is Monk. On "Straight No Chaser" he is outstanding, even more so comping behind Rouse than during his own solo. He and Rouse are at absolute peak form on a rendition of Ellington's "I Didn't Know About You." Highly recommended.