Reviews of Melodious Monk

By GREG SIMMONS , Published: September 10, 2011

At some point or another, it seems, every jazz musician takes up the challenge of interpreting Thelonious Monk. It must be an unbearable temptation to try to bring some perceived new angle to such a distinct set of compositions, especially when those compositions are so inextricably intertwined with Monk's odd playing style. As if responding to that ancient query about why someone would climb Mount Everest, with the inevitable "because it's there," trumpeter Kim Pensyl and his partner, pianist Phil DeGreg take their turn at climbing the mountain on Melodious Monk.

The core of Melodious Monk is Pensyl and DeGreg's trumpet/piano duo, although there are additional instruments added throughout the record. There are no drums anywhere, and DeGreg's weighty left hand stands in for the rhythm section. The pianist wisely refrains from trying to ape any of Monk's more infamous pianistic eccentricities, although he exhibits an excellent understanding of the complex compositions, and the stride tradition from which Monk sprang. Pensyl has a warm, bronzed tone on trumpet, and stays away from piercing, acrobatic highs in favor of a mellifluous middle ground more Miles Davis than Dizzy Gillespie.

The fewer instruments in an arrangement, the fewer opportunities there are for musicians to hide. On Melodious Monk, the straight trumpet/piano duets are the riskiest performances, simply because any flaws would be glaring. Pensyl and DeGreg prove themselves up to the task with unimpeachable deliveries. "Reflections" captures blue optimism with a heartfelt, straight-ahead reading, while "Blue Monk" conjures a bit of Crescent City strut that might have been at home on Allen Toussaint's Bright Mississippi (Nonesuch, 2009). Variously adding vibes, bass, and tenor builds diversity within the arrangements ensuring continued interest.

Another highlight is saxophonist Rick VanMatre; while yet to record as a leader, his full tone and exceptional improvisational skills here would make that well worth seeking out. Special mention should also be given to the production. The piano weight and scale of the instruments, especially the bass notes of the piano on "Misterioso", has been captured brilliantly.

As always, the ultimate danger of making an entire album of Monk's material lies in not adding anything new and worthwhile to these masterpieces. Melodious Monk avoids that trap with simple confidence, earnest performances, and a deep understanding of Monk's unique compositions. It doesn't necessarily break any bold new ground, but Pensyl and DeGreg aren't trying to completely reinvent the wheel here. They succeed because they have an undeniable affection for Monk, and their performance is top-notch.

Track Listing: Monk's Dream; Reflections; Ruby My Dear; Straight, No Chaser; Misterioso; I Mean You; Bye Ya; Blue Monk; Ugly Beauty; Hackensack; Nutty; Ask Me Now.

Personnel: Kim Pensyl: trumpet; Phil DeGreg: piano; Rusty Burge: vibes (1, 5, 10); Rick VanMatre: saxophone (3, 6, 9); Doug Richeson: bass (4, 7, 11).

Record Label: Summit Records

Style: Modern Jazz

allmusic.com

By KEN DRYDEN

Kim Pensyl made a name for himself with his series of smooth jazz CDs, though he began breaking away from that mold around the turn of the 21st century. Primarily a keyboardist in the past, he has played the trumpet since his youth, but plays the horn exclusively on this session, featuring his arrangements of a dozen songs by Thelonious Monk. Pianist Phil DeGreg joins him on all tracks, with the duo expanding to a trio with the addition of vibraphonist Rusty Burge, saxophonist Rick VanMatre, or bassist Doug Richeson on nine of the selections. Pensyl has a lyrical, understated sound on trumpet, and his arrangements of Monk's music build logically on the essence of each of the timeless melodies. Pensyl's duets with DeGreg include a bittersweet "Reflections" that find him stretching out a bit more in his solo, while they also set up "Blue Monk" with a playful joint improvisation and a brilliant extended workout of "Ask Me Now." Burge is added for a spry settings of "Monk's Dream" and "Hackensack," plus an imaginative "Misterioso" featuring the leader on muted horn in whichDeGreg plays softly behind his partners' solos. VanMatre's robust tenor is added for a lush take of "Ruby, My Dear" and a rhapsodic treatment of "Ugly Beauty." With Richeson added,Pensyl utilizes his mute once more for the breezy setting of "Nutty," while the bassist's presence is a bonus to the lively performance of "Straight, No Chaser." Recommended.