John Beasley - Presents MONK'estra vol.2 - Import CD

Credits:

John Beasley

Description:

This is the second installment of Monkestra, a much-talked-about project featuring big band arrangements of the music of Thelonious Monk, the greatest artist and composer of the 20th century, who is celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth! The subject matter is basically Monk compositions, and the music is from the era in which Monk lived. However, in this work, the band's freedom has been greatly expanded. While capturing the essence that the songs originally had and arranging them as an ensemble, the album as a whole has a much more colorful feel! Originality has also increased. In fact, from the first album to the recording of this album, they played many live shows. In the process, John Beasley became more aware of the depth of Monk's genius, and he continued to search for ways to rewrite the music and create freedom for the musicians. The band is basically a 16-piece large ensemble. The band is one member less than on the previous album, but this time, guest artists are featured effectively. The opening track is based on a hip beat, with a riff from a Monk number, and then a rap number. The opening riffs of Monk's number appear over a hip beat, but then rap breaks in, giving the impression of an innovative performance different from that of the previous album. The tempo changes and the band shifts gears, and in comes Kamasi Washington. The tempo changed, and Kamasi Washington appeared on the stage.Blowing spiritually! But then the beat switches to swingy, and the baton passes to trombone master Conrad Harvick.... M6, which boldly introduces the syncopation of a New Orleans second line, moves freely back and forth between traditional ensemble sounds. M8 features Diane Reeves, who is an admirer of Carmen McRae, and M9 features Pedro Martinez, giving the song an all-out Afro-Cuban flavor. According to John Beasley, "Today there is a mixture of funk, rhythm and blues, Afro-Cuban influences, and hip-hop. The arrangement began with those rhythms. The old stuff is great, but it's been done over and over again. I didn't want to make something that was a replica of the old stuff, and I wanted to create something original. The music is not only new, but it also retains the essence of Monk's music. This is a collection of Monk's music, full of the adventurous spirit that only a brilliant man who has worked not only in the jazz field but also in the James Bond movies and numerous home dramas can bring to the table.

Tracklisting:

1.Brake's Sake feat. Dontae Winslow
2.Played Twice
3.Crepuscule With Nellie (guest appearance by Regina Carter)
4.Evidence (guest appearance by Kamasi Washington and Conrad Herwig)
5.Ugly Beauty/Pannonica
6.I Mean You
7.Light Blue
8.Dear Ruby (guest appearance by Dianne Reeves)
9.Criss Cross (guest appearance by Pedrito Martinez)
10.Work