As one of America’s five jazz musicians to be featured on the cover of Time Magazine (joining the ranks of Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, and Wynton Marsalis) Thelonious Monk’s contributions to American jazz music cannot be overrstated. Along with being the second-most recorded jazz composer in history (behind the aforementioned Duke Ellington), Monk’s contributions to the standard jazz catalog are significant– many of his works, including “‘Round Midnight”, “Blue Monk”, and “Ruby, My Dear” are standard repertoire for any jazz band playing live music. Put another way, even if you haven’t actively sought out Monk’s music, you’ve certainly heard it, whether it be in a tiny cafe or an elevator or a fancy sit-down restaurant. That’s staying power right there.
Brilliant Corners is one of his most celebrated albums. Featuring his notorious love for complex and difficult arrangements, Monk’s attention to detail is found throughout every inch of this record. The title track in particular put Monk’s supporting band through the paces– the song was recorded an astounding twenty five times, and the final version you hear on this album actually required the producers to piece together multiple takes to capture the true essence of the song. While this is commonplace in modern digital recording scenarios, it was effectively unheard of during the 50’s. As AllMusic writer Lindsay Planer wrote in a retrospective review of the album “Brilliant Corners may well be considered the alpha and omega of post-World War II American jazz. No serious jazz collection should be without it.” Well said Lindsay. Well said.
My favorite cut off the album “I Surrender, Dear” certainly encapsulates that feeling. Throughout the 5-minute song you can feel the evolution of a deep love that starts as a burgeoning bud before evolving into a radiant flower. It reminded me of the relationship with my wife, at first passionate and giddy, before it eventually transitions into a mature and battle-tested feeling ready and able to conquer anything life throws at you. It’s rare that instrumental music hits me this hard. And it’s a testament to why Monk is considered one of the all-time jazz greats.
Standout Songs: “Brilliant Corners”, “I Surrender, Dear”, “Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues Are”
