Straight, No Chaser [Enhanced]

Product Description
The Definitive and Complete Straight, No Chaser!

Thelonious Monk's fruitful tenure at Columbia Records resulted in several classic recordings, and coincided with having his portrait on the cover of Time magazine--a distinction bestowed on only five jazz artists.

Straight, No Chaser is undeniably one of those classics, and finds Monk in the good company of his long-time companions--Charlie Rouse, Larry Gales, and Ben Riley.

For this CD, reissue producer Orrin Keepnews has added approximately 25 minutes of never-before-heard Monk, meticulously re-editing lost portions of issued titles while discovering two complete, previously unissued performances.

Straight, No Chaser,Thelonious Monk,Sony,Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Yeah Monk! Accessable yet personal Excellent My favorite Monk album Perfect album for a late summer night...

Straight, No Chaser Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Monk's Dream Mingus Ah Um Criss-Cross Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane ASIN: B000002AD6 Release Date: 1996-08-27

Tracks:

1. Locomotive
2. I Didn't Know About You - Take 4
3. Straight, No Chaser
4. Japanese Folk Song [Kojo No Tsuki]
5. Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
6. We See
7. This Is My Story, This Is My Song
8. I Didn't Know About You - Take 1
9. Green Chimneys

Album Description

The Definitive and Complete Straight, No Chaser!

Thelonious Monk's fruitful tenure at Columbia Records resulted in several classic recordings, and coincided with having his portrait on the cover of Time magazine--a distinction bestowed on only five jazz artists.

Straight, No Chaser is undeniably one of those classics, and finds Monk in the good company of his long-time companions--Charlie Rouse, Larry Gales, and Ben Riley.

For this CD, reissue producer Orrin Keepnews has added approximately 25 minutes of never-before-heard Monk, meticulously re-editing lost portions of issued titles while discovering two complete, previously unissued performances.

Customer Reviews:

Yeah Monk!.......2007-06-02

This is great, including four of Monk's most stellar performances. You've got a superlong remake of the title track, one of his most famous songs, which is most certainly great listening; the mid-tempo, bluesy Locomotive, I Didn't Know About You (an Ellington cover, can't really go wrong with those), and the lengthy but fascinating Japanese Folk Song. Some issues, though: Monk's one of the best-ever pianists, but I've always preferred it when he worked with a small group to when he went solo - hence, the two unaccompanied piano solos, both standards (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea; This Is My Story, This Is My Song) are easily the album's only two weak moments. And while I'm perfectly okay with We See, the fact is that it's a bit too long for its own good.
Classic release though, make sure you have this in your Monk collection.

Accessable yet personal.......2006-05-16

4 1/2 stars

Now this is a Monk classic. This overabundant album version thrives off of the pianist's unique ability to merge his vast playing techniques with the wonderful supporting cast in order to bring us one of his most accessable albums that push more of his piano heavy compositions to the forefront. This in turn provides an album that is not mired by it's homage to ancient formalities of transition, which can effect even the great jazz classics, staying relevent and engaging in a completely different context then what usually was heard.

Excellent.......2006-03-16

Excellent title. Thelonious Monk-piano, Charlie Rouse-sax, Larry Gales-bass and Ben Riley-drums. This is my second Monk's title (Underground). In my opinion, this is a Charlie's Rouse best title. Absolutely beautiful CD.

My favorite Monk album.......2006-02-26

The lengthy version of this classic album is an especially worthwhile jazz classic. Though none of the songs shine quite as brightly as "Brilliant Corners", "Locomotive", the title track, "We See". And "Japense Folk Song" are all lengthy, meaty songs. The gospel song "This Is My Story" is a short demonstration of Monk's sense of rhythm (someone once asked me why I was listening to a beginner piano player when that song was on the stereo). Charlie Rouse's playing is excellent throughout. All in all, this is one of Monk's best albums.

Perfect album for a late summer night..........2005-12-31

Ok, I'm not a jazz expert. In fact, the reviews of this album already convey how special it is more than adequately, and the rating was already 5 stars before I posted. Still, in my inspired yet ultimately futile quest to review my entire album collection, I will chip in my 2 cents.

The first jazz album I ever owned, or even really listened to from start to finish, was "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. Since then, whenever I think of the term "jazz music", my mind conjures the sounds of that album, and a few others, as a definition of the term. Thelonious Monk's "Straight, No Chaser" is one of those few.

Although I love Monk's work with John Coltrane, I believe that this is his warmest, most accessible album. Monk's angular, overtly logical piano playing can come across cold or distant at times. Here, that's not the case, despite the playing being as brilliant as ever. You can enjoy this as background music at a low volume, or you can study the music intently, and it still bears several repeat listens.

Whether you think you like jazz or not, you should pick up this album. Pull it out on a warm spring or summer evening when you're entertaining a few guests, and throw it on. Accompany it with your choice of cigar and fine spirit (straight, of course) and enjoy.

Average customer rating: One of his best Straight No Chaser smooth

Straight, No Chaser Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Time Out Mingus Ah Um Kind of Blue 'Round About Midnight In a Silent Way (Dlx) (Stereo/Multi) ASIN: B00004S4Z0 Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Locomotive
2. I Didn't Know About You [Take 4]
3. Straight, No Chaser
4. Japanese Folk Song (Kojo No Tsuki)
5. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
6. We See
7. This Is My Story, This Is My Song
8. I Didn't Know About You [Take 1][#][*]
9. Green Chimneys [#][*]

Album Details

Limited Millennium Edition. Packed in a Heavy Weight Card Wallet that Faithfully Recreates the Original Vinyl Sleeve, Right Down to the Inner Bag. The Wallet Will Come in a Plastic Cover.

Customer Reviews:

One of his best.......2003-06-21

This is one of the best Monk recordings of the Monk-Rouse partnership. In this disc Monk sounds sharper and more eccentric then usual. Rouse was at his top form. I have never heard him play better with the connected flowing lyrical lines demonstrated in these tracks. Rare compositions make an appearance here too- Kojo No Tsuki and Green Chineys, both of which are great fun to listen to.

Straight No Chaser.......2003-04-02

I first started listening to "The Monk" is the late 1950's and I have had the original vinyl. It is classic Monk at his best and with the added dimension of SACD you can appreciate his talent and that of his superb side men. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wishes to hear a classic jazz album that has lost nothing over the years and presents a timeless jazz message. If I could give this album 10 stars I would do so.

Art Ciampi

smooth.......2001-02-27

If you like Jazz, particularly that of the 50 and 60's, this is a six (6) star SACD. 'Nuff said.

Average customer rating: A lot of energy, a real pleasure

Straight No Chaser Edgardo Cintron Manufacturer: Dbk Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Back in the Day ASIN: B000006F5B Release Date: 1998-02-24

Tracks:

1. Remember April
2. Straight No Chaser
3. One Note Samba
4. Beautiful Love
5. Maiden Voyage
6. Footprints
7. Fourth Street Groove
8. Black Orpheus
9. So What
10. Land Of Make Believe

Customer Reviews:

A lot of energy, a real pleasure.......1998-07-02

A good collection of jazz standards, with a latin flair. Some pieces, Maiden Voyage in particular, are pure joy and energy and remind one of the best of Tito Puente. The other songs are also enjoyable. The only piece I didn't care for was Land of Make Believe. Overall a great collection of Latin Jazz -Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: Great "Straight"

Straight, No Chaser Joe Henderson Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Four In 'n Out Joe Henderson Quintet at the Lighthouse Mode for Joe Our Thing ASIN: B00000473D Release Date: 1996-05-21

Tracks:

1. Straight, No Chaser
2. Days of Wine & Roses
3. What Is This Thing Called Love?
4. If You Could See Me Now
5. On a Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
6. Limehouse Blues
7. Pfrancin'
8. Theme

Customer Reviews:

Great "Straight".......2001-07-10

While the reviewer below was trying to be helpful, it has backfired since he only gave this title one star. "Straight, No Chaser" is an excellent live document of Joe with the Wynton Kelly Trio in the years immediately following his stint with Blue Note. Along with "Four," this recording sat in the vaults for close to 30 years before being issued on CD by Verve. Normally, I would say this is a four-star disc, as the material is mostly standards and not as adventurous as the Blue Note albums. But I have no qualms awarding five here to offset the earlier one star rating. Great sound from a great group in a great era -- we'll miss you Joe.

Average customer rating:

Straight No Chaser Various Artists Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Bebop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000005GWS Release Date: 1994-04-19

Tracks:

1. Intro For Art Blakey - Pee Wee Marquette
2. Cantaloupe Island - Herbie Hancock
3. Ronnie's Bonnie - Reuben Wilson
4. Comment On Ritual - Art Blakey
5. Alfie's Theme - John Patton
6. Cool Blues - Lou Donaldson
7. Crisis - Art Blakey
8. Straight No Chaser - Thelonious Monk
9. Sookie Sookie - Grant Green

Tracks:

1. Goin' Down South - Bobby Hutcherson
2. Song For My Father - Horace Silver
3. Blind Man, Blind Man - Herbie Hancock
4. Filthy McNasty - Horace Silver
5. Jeannine - Donald Byrd
6. Steppin' Into Tomorrow - Donald Byrd

Average customer rating:

Straight No Chaser Miles Davis Manufacturer: Pidm ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004RD9C Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

1. Don't Sing Me The Blues
2. I've Always Got The Blues
3. Don't Explain To Me Baby
4. Baby Won't You Make Up Your Mind
5. Bye Bye Blackbird
6. No Blues
7. What Is This Thing Called Love
8. Straight No Chaser
9. Bird Of Paradise
10. Embraceable You
11. My Old Flame
12. Scrapple From The Apple
13. You Came Along From Out Of Nowhere
14. Don't Blame Me
15. A Night In Tunisia
16. Riff Raff
17. Ornithology
18. Cool Blues
19. Be Bop

Album Description

Vintage rare archive recordings from the 40s, many featuring Charlie Parker. A perfect introductory recording to the music of Miles Davis. 19 tracks including 'Don't Sing Me The Blues', 'I've Always Got The Blues' & 'Don't Explain To Me Baby'. Includes 11

Average customer rating:

Telarc Collection, Vol. 3 Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Bach, P.D.Q. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Field, John | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mancini | Mancini, Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Smetana | Smetana, Bedrich | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Sonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Baltimore Symphony Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Offenbach, Jacques | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Schubert, Franz | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | Q to T | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music | Cantatas | Romances Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Czech | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Upshaw, Dawn | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Easy Listening | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Soundtracks | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Telarc Collection, Volume 2 Telarc Collection, Vol. 1 Telarc Collection, Vol. 4 Telarc Collection, Vol. 7 Telarc Collection, Vol. 6 ASIN: B000003D6A Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

1. Sing, Sing, Sing - Cincinnati Pops Orch/Eddie Daniels/Doc Severinse/Ed Shaughnessy/Erich Kunzel
2. 'Gaite Parisienne': Allegro - Cincinnati Pops Orch/Erich Kunzel
3. Son No. 4: Moderato - John O'Conor
4. When You're Smiling - Sam Pilafian/Frank Vignola/Mark Shane
5. 'Romeo & Juliet (Abridged)': Montagues And Capulets - Cleveland Orch/Yoel Levi
6. 'The Bartered Bride': Dance Of The Comedians - Empire Brass
7. Qt No.15: Menuetto: Allegretto - Cleveland Qt
8. Mass No.2: Gloria - Atlanta Sym Orch & Chm Chor/Robert Shaw/Dawn Upshaw/David Gordon/William Stone
9. 'Scheherazade': The Tale Of the Kalender Prince - LSO/Sir Charles Mackerras
10. Minuet Mililtaire - Greater Hoople Area Off-Season Phil/Professor Peter Schickele
11. 'The Mikado': If You Want To Know Who We Are - Orch & Chor Of The Welsh National Opera/Sir Charles Mackerras
12. 'Peter & The Wolf' - RPO/Andre Previn
13. 'Ancient Airs & Dances, Ste I': Simone Molinaro - Lausanne CO/Jesus Lopez-Cobos
14. Diverse Kanons, Mvt. 14 - Don Dorsey
15. 'The White Dawn': Arctic Whale Hunt - Cincinnati Pops Orch/Erich Kunzel
16. Straight No Chaser - Dizzy Gillespie/Wynton Marsalis/Charlie Sepulveda
17. Sym No.40: Trio: Menuetto - Prague CO/Sir Charles Mackerras
18. Pno Con No.1: Allegro Con Spirito (Excerpt) - Baltimore SO/Horacio Gutierrez/David Zinman

Average customer rating: Climb Aboard!!

Segundo The Railbenders Manufacturer: Big Bender Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Southbound ASIN: B0000E6XIM Release Date: 2004-01-06

Tracks:

1. Whiskey Rain
2. Country Song
3. Midnight Train
4. Another Tomorrow
5. Someone Take This Bottle
6. Tombstone Serenade
7. O.D.'d In Denver
8. One Foot In The Grave
9. Payphone
10. Sweet Caroline
11. The Hangover Song

Customer Reviews:

Climb Aboard!!.......2004-02-18

Classic country music is cool again. Really cool. While most genre's of music from yesteryears rely on the occasional nostalgic whims of a buying public hungry to relive the old songs, the likes of Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings have influenced a whole crop of new artists intent on keeping alive their long standing gospel of hard drinking, hard loving, and hard living. With a sound that approaches radio friendly whithout selling out to the trappings and overproduction of current Nashville fare, The Railbenders are destined to help lead the way in bringing more numbers into the fold.

The band's second album, Segundo, features ten beer soaked romps that are guarenteed to catch the ear of even those who profess no entheusiasm for country music. It represents a major step forward for the band in that the songs on this record are far richer musically, lyrically, and in texture than their debut release, Southbound.

The proceedings open with the melodic and heartbreaking "Whiskey Rain". The song tells the story of someone who has reached the fateful decision to take their own life after one last night of heavy drinking. While most of the songs on Segundo serve up the meloncholy with a dash of tongue in cheek humor, "Whiskey Rain" drowns the listener in the hopelessness of it's protagonist to full effect.

The albums second strong cut is a country rock flavored gem called "Payphone". It is this cut more than any other on the album that seems to indicate The Railbenders are destined to reach a wider audience. "This payphone don't take tear drops." lead vocalist Jim Daltton laments over and over again as he tells the story of someone who decided to tell their beloved how they feel a little too late and while a little too drunk and a lot too broke. We end up realizing that the protagonist was probably better off spending their last dime elsewhere anyway.

The remainder of Segundo falls into line with a more traditional country sound, for the most part to excellent effect. "Country Song" tells the story of a drifter who longs to meet up again with a long lost loved one, while "Someone Take This Bottle" benefits from some great slide guitar work and it's ironic story about one of those people who expect someone else to solve their problems for them.

There are two cover tunes on "Segundo". One works wondefully and the other proves to be Segundo's only mis-step. Hank Jr.'s "OD'd In Denver" comes off loose and fun as Daltton trades vocals with guest performer Eddie Spaghetti from the southern fried punk rock band, The Supersuckers. Neil Diamonds "Sweet Caroline" doesn't fare so well. The sped up tempo the band brings to the song makes it sound cluttered and tense.

The remainder of Segundo is filled with solid and very listenable traditional country fare that makes this record a must have for any collection. It isn't the perfect record from first cut to last, but there is room to grow. I for one look forward to experiencing that growth. We have a great deal of amazing music to look forward to from The Railbenders in the future.

Average customer rating: What A Soundtrack To A Movie Should Be.. A bit uneven, but some nice stuff. Unissued tune by the Prophet : essential,of course !

Straight No Chaser Thelonious Monk Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000658OZ Release Date: 2002-04-16

Tracks:

1. Straight, No Chaser
2. Pannonica
3. Trinkle, Tinkle
4. Ugly Beauty (Rehearsal)
5. Ugly Beauty
6. Epistrophy
7. Evidence
8. I Mean You (Stickball)
9. Lulu's Back In Town
10. Don't Blame Me
11. Sweetheart Of All My Dreams
12. 'Round Midnight
13. Straight, No Chaser (Bonus Track)

Amazon.com

Thelonious Monk stands as one of the great, oblique giants of 20th-century jazz. And while a single disc can never hope to encompass his triumphant art and eccentric, ultimately tragic personal life, this soundtrack offers up considerably more than merely a sketch of Monk's unvarnished genius. Launching from a sound bite ("Now I'm famous--ain't that a bitch?!") that tips listeners to the pianist-composer's troubled relationship with his own legacy, this anthology actually expands on the film (which centers around a trove of long-lost mid-'60s European tour footage). It offers up key studio and live recordings, a pair of rare, private solo performances ("Panonica" and a typically playful cover of "Lulu's Back in Town"), sprinkled with spare interview excerpts by Monk Jr. and sax player Charlie Rouse, a frequent late-'60s collaborator and member of the legendary octet featured here in three rare live European performances of "Epistrophy," "Evidence," and "I Hear You." Now expanded with the full, 11-plus-minute 1967 New York studio recording of the title track and newly annotated liner notes, this soundtrack serves as a compelling introduction to Monk's truly unique musical legacy--and, along with Bird, a tribute to executive producer Clint Eastwood's dedication to America's rich jazz history. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

What A Soundtrack To A Movie Should Be.. .......2006-01-06

The musings of Monk throughout this CD harks back to the movie which was much more than a serious look at the man by Clint Eastwood, but one of the best jazz DVD's(my opinion)..This CD is chock full of unreleased gems from the great Monk, with the majority from the mid 60's and some earlier material.
It stands a dual purpose..Alone it is a worthy way into the man since it features versions of his well known tunes and for the Monk fan the unreleased nuggets like all his variations on a single theme, essential.
The additional bonus track of "Straight No Chaser" is a nice way to close things out.

A bit uneven, but some nice stuff........2005-10-25

The soundtrack to the film "Straight No Chaser", this album (not to be confused with the album TITLED "Straight No Chaser") cobbles together a number of pieces-- several of which are previously unreleased-- from Monk's career. While much of the album is intriguing and exciting (particularly the octet sessions), the material lacks any real binding ties-- quite honestly, it feels like what it is-- a collection of snippets taken during someone's career.

The majority of the material is drawn from octet shows in the fall of 1967 in Europe-- Monk's longtime working band of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley was further augmented by four additional horns-- alto Phil Woods, second tenor Johnny Griffin, trumpeter Ray Copeland and trombonist Jimmy Cleveland. Set closer "Epistrophy" gets a fairly standaard reading, with Rouse and the leader both providing angular solos that stick close to the theme. A fractured reading of "Evidence" follows-- most intriguing to hear Griffin's warm and round tone soloing over Monk rather than Rouse's typically dry sound. Mind you, when Rouse does take a solo, he trumps everyone with a masterful performance. "I Mean You" gets aired out with theme by horns and a lovely piano solo by Monk. A pair of solo piano tracks from the following winter-- "Don't Blame Me" and "Sweetheart of All My Dreams"-- provide additional value to the set. Again, they show how Monk looks to the past for his style-- shades of stride masters but also Ellington come forth.

Also of interest is two performances from the home of Nica de Koenigswater recorded in 1956-- "Pannonica" and standard "Lulu's Back in Town". The former, dedicated to the hostess, gets a moody reading with Monk's playing astonishingly lovely. The latter gets a full stridish workout-- Monk's love of stride pianist was obvious, particularly in his later solo piano work. This is one of the few examples of this influence being loud and clear in the '50s in his work.

Among the handful of other tracks are three previously released-- the bonus track "Straight No Chaser" (from the album of the same name), "Ugly Beauty" (from "Underground"), and "Trinkle Tinkle" (from "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane"). All three are superb and valuable performances, but are widely available to fans. The remainder is by and large abridged and edited performances and rehearsals with narrations over them-- the abridgement is a shame, particularly in the case of a downright fiery and upbeat take of "'Round Midnight".

All in all, its a reasonable disc-- of decent value to a fan, but definitely for the converted only.

Unissued tune by the Prophet : essential,of course !.......2002-06-27

This is the soundtrack of "straight,no chaser",a film directed by Charlotte Zwerin,and produced by...Clint Eastwood. Yes. This guy is a true jazz lover.This fantastic movie,made of archives,let us see Thelonious playing,of course,but also in his every day life.This soundtrack is mostly made of unissued tunes;only "trinkle,tinkle" ,with Coltrane,was issued before.The most amazing tunes here are Monk's solos: "Pannonica",first,written for Baronness Nica De Koenigswarter;recorded at Nica's home,NYC,September 1956,this is a great version of this melancholic ballad."Lulu's back in town" comes from Fats Waller's repertoire,and shows Monk as a top stride piano player.Monk loved to play this tune;he loved to play old popular tunes ("just a gigolo","I'm getting sentimental over you","there's danger in your eyes,cherie","sweetheart of all my dreams"...).He's majestuous when he plays these tunes.In this version of "Lulu",he combines his style,the old stride playing and some Jimmy Yancey's touches.It gives an intensively swinging result."don't blame me" was recorded in Atlanta,1967.This version is very close to the gigantic Columbia version;very short,because there's no reason to play many choruses on this beautiful melody: everything can be said in two or three minutes."Sweetheart of all my dreams" was played at the Village Vanguard,1968;another very old tune,another very short piece,another masterpiece of stride and swing;I love Monk,whatever he's playing,but he really makes me mad when he tickles on these old romances.He recorded a much longer,and outstanding version of this tune in his London 1971 recordings.The other tunes are quartet or octet pieces.This is surely not your priority,if you start to listen to Monk;some twenty albums have to be bought before this one.But if you're mad about this guy,and specially about Monk's solo pieces,you can't miss it.

Average customer rating:

Mil-Town Hustlaz Various Artists Manufacturer: R.A.W.W. DEAL Entertainment ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CAEBT4 Release Date: 2004-02-10

Tracks:

1. In the Mil
2. When It's Time2hit'em
3. Ride with Me
4. Scadalous
5. They Got Me Trapped
6. Rhyme Pays
7. Mr. Money Bagz
8. Nothing Move But the Money
9. Skit
10. Pimpalicious
11. Outro

Pop Music:

1. Sunday at the Village Vanguard [Live]
2. Tears of Joy
3. Tenor Madness
4. Texas Hold'em
5. The Best of the Blue Note Years
6. The Classic Early Recordings in Chronological Order [Box set]
7. The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings [Box set] [Live]
8. The Deep End
9. The Edge - David Axelrod at Capitol Records 1966-1970
10. The Golden Years: 1938-1942 [Box set]

Pop Music