mfs@mhuxr.UUCP (SIMON) (05/27/85)
The saying has it that a jazz musician has to die before becoming well known. Well, albums of Thelonious Monk music have become a sort of cottage industry, with just about every one doing one. The results are mostly good, some sublime (Sphere), some embarrassing (Chick Cores). Now out of left field comes the Kronos Quartet, with an album called MONK SUITE, on Orrin Keepnews' new label, Landmark Records (distributed by Fantasy, 2600 Tenth St Berkeley, CA 94710). Kronos, according to the liner notes, is a "young, adventurous, San Francisco based ensemble." They are David Harrington (1st violin), John Sherba (2nd violin), Hank Dutt (viola) and Joan Jeanrenaud (cello.) On side one they are augmented by Ron Carter. On two tunes on side 2, they use a bassist and drummer. This is great music. There is little or no improvisation, or rather they duplicate exactly the solos on the particular version of the tune they are interpreting. For interpretation is the key here. It is quite obvious that these folks have thoroughly absorbed Monk's music, including (especially) his sly sense of humor. The great joy in Monk's music, and one of the main reasons that is played well only by those who were closely associated with his bands, and best by the man himself, is in the composer winking at us behind some odd, but affecting interval. Kronos, to their great credit, took this attitude to heart. Their readings of "Rhythm-a-ning", and "Brilliant Corners" are virtually perfect, with viola and cello smoothly diving into the abrupt changes at the bridge. "Misterioso" reprises the classic first recording of 1947, with its insistent minor ninth under Milt Jackson's solo. However, they have deleted Jackson's part, concentrating on Monk's playing. Kudos here to Harrington, who shows a beautiful tone on the "solo." Their "Off Minor", which is linked by a lovely Ron Carter solo with "Epistrophy" is bright and bouncy, with the two violins entertwining like Monk and Sonny Rollins in 1955. This is a very novel way to hear Monk, one I like more with each listening. Yet I know nothing of these people. Who are they? Do they have any other records? Do they tour? Have they done other readings of jazz music? Any information is appreciated. Marcel Simon