Thelonious Monk

Paris, 1969

Thelonious Monk’s composing work often feature uncomplicated devices used uniquely. In this track, “Straight, No Chaser,” he employs a single abstraction – on each occasion with a new ending, and in a newer section of a measure. The mutating, revolving accents represent true musicianship – complexity out of the simple. The progressions – 12-bar blue chords – are simply brilliant.