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Straight No Chaser

 

            
            
             "Straight No Chaser" is notorious for being a brilliantly composed and performed piece from Thelonious Monk. It has over time become a jazz standard and is known by most if not all jazz listeners and performers. Monk composed this piece at a young age. This recording of "Straight No Chaser" was made on July 23, 1951. Most of Monk's works were composed before he reached the age of 30. I got this recording from a CD titled "The best of Monk." This CD is a compilation of many of Monks best songs and best recordings from Blue Note Records. The featured artists in this recording of "Straight No Chaser" are:.
             Piano- Thelonious Monk.
             Alto Sax- Sahib Shihab.
             Vibes- Milt Jackson.
             Bass- Al Mckibbon.
             Drums- Art Blakey .
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             "Straight No Chaser" is a standard blues. It is a standard among jazz performers. This recording makes Monk's individual style extremely apparent. He is described, as a genius for his style it was very different when originally composed and stands out even today after he has passed. It wasn't until later in his career that he was recognized for his artistic brilliance. When listening to this recording and many others of Monk, he has the ability to suspend time in his playing. The sense of swing remains but it appears almost timeless. The melody is very simple and diatonic. It is played at a very mild tempo. He has definite bebop feel with being too heavy. In Monk's solo he emphases jazz articulation. When listening to jazz artists of Monk, Dizzy, and Parker's time there is a definite distinction in the way the improvise. They use more notes, use a lot of turn-arounds. Milt Jackson; soloed in a bebop feel, but nothing like Monk. Monk tends to play behind the beat yet still pushes forward. His style is extremely unique. People have tried to copy him for years. During solo exchanges there was not much mimicry. I"m unsure of why but the saxophonist and the vibes were only give one chorus to play over.


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