Skip to product information
1 of 1

Plays Duke

Plays Duke

SKU: CD42146 Barcode: 8436559467094
Regular price £12.99
Regular price Sale price £12.99
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Split into 3 interest-free payments on purchases over £30
T&C Apply. Credit subject to status.
Make 3 interest-free payments. Available for orders over £30.
T&C Apply. Credit subject to status.

Format: CD / Album

View full details
  • Released Date: 23 Aug 2019

  • Genre: Jazz

Our Take

Thelonious Monk, the enigmatic jazz pianist known for his off-kilter rhythms and unconventional style, takes on the music of the legendary Duke Ellington in this latest release. In "Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington," we see Monk putting his own unique spin on Ellington's timeless classics, creating a delightful mix of the traditional and the avant-garde.

From the moment Monk's fingers hit the keys, it's clear that this is no ordinary tribute album. His playful approach to Ellington's compositions adds a fresh, modern flair to the tracks, breathing new life into familiar melodies. This is not a stuffy, by-the-book homage; it's a vibrant, unpredictable reinvention of Ellington's work.

Monk's idiosyncratic take on Ellington's music is at once familiar and surprising, capturing the spirit of the original compositions while infusing them with his own distinctive flair. Tracks like "Mood Indigo" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" are transformed into thrilling, unpredictable journeys, showcasing Monk's unparalleled talent and creativity.

In "Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington," Monk proves once again why he's considered one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. This album is a must-listen for fans of both Monk and Ellington, as well as anyone looking for a fresh take on classic jazz standards. Monk's playful, inventive style shines through in every note, making this a delightful and captivating listen from start to finish.

Track Listing

Disc: 1
1. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
2. Sophisticated Lady
3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
4. Black and Tan Fantasy
5. Mood Indigo
6. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart
7. Solitude
8. Caravan
9. Satin Doll
10. Sophisticated Lady
11. Caravan
12. Solitude
13. Crepuscule With Nellie
14. Blues for Duke (Feat. Joe Turner)
15. Monk's Dream
16. Frère Monk

Delivery & Returns

Delivery 

FREE UK delivery on orders over £20.

Orders under £20 - £2.99 Postage Fee.

Next Day Delivery and International Shipping Options Available.

When Will My Order Arrive?

Usually dispatched within 24 hours.

Standard Delivery is a Royal Mail Tracked 48 Service and usually arrives within 2-3 working days, including Saturdays.

Express Delivery is either Royal Mail Tracked 24, or DPD service, for delivery within 24 hours.

Order before 2pm for next day delivery.

We’ll aim to dispatch pre-orders so that you receive them on the release date.

For orders back in stock soon, we expect to receive more stock within a week and will dispatch your order as soon as the stock has arrived.

Returns

We’re happy to accept returns for unwanted items provided that they’re returned within 14 days of receipt, unopened, unused and in perfect condition.

About the artist

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk, the enigmatic jazz pianist and composer whose unique style defied categorisation, continues to captivate audiences with his unconventional approach to music. With a career spanning over four decades, Monk's influence extends far beyond the confines of traditional jazz, earning him a reputation as one of the genre's most innovative and enduring figures. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1917, Monk began playing the piano at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His early recordings, including the seminal album "Brilliant Corners," showcased his distinctive blend of complex harmonies, rhythmic experimentation, and playful improvisation, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Despite achieving critical acclaim and widespread recognition, Monk remained a somewhat elusive figure, known for his idiosyncratic behaviour and enigmatic persona. His eccentricities only added to his mystique, with stories of his unconventional performance style and quirky sense of humour becoming the stuff of legend. While Monk's music may not always be easily accessible to mainstream audiences, his enduring legacy is undeniable. His compositions, such as "Round Midnight" and "Blue Monk," have become jazz standards beloved by musicians and listeners alike, ensuring that his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. In a musical landscape increasingly dominated by trends and fads, Thelonious Monk stands as a beacon of originality and creativity, reminding us of the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. As Monk himself once said, "The genius is the one most like himself." And in that regard, there will never be another quite like Thelonious Monk.

More about the artist >