Wadada Leo Smith's "Solo: Reflections and Meditations on Monk" is a captivating exploration of the music and legacy of Thelonious Monk, released on TUM Records in December 2017. This studio album, recorded in Finland, is a unique blend of free jazz, avant-garde, and traditional jazz elements, spanning a concise yet impactful 56 minutes.
The album features eight tracks, with four original compositions by Smith and four reinterpretations of Monk's iconic pieces. Smith's solo trumpet work is the centerpiece, offering an intimate and deeply personal perspective on Monk's music. Tracks like "Ruby, My Dear" and "'Round Midnight" showcase Smith's ability to honor Monk's compositions while infusing them with his own distinctive style.
Smith's original pieces, such as "Adagio: Monkishness (A Cinematic Vision of Monk Playing Solo Piano)" and "Adagio: Monk, the Composer in Sepia (A Second Vision)," provide a fresh and innovative counterpoint to the Monk standards. These compositions reflect Smith's deep reverence for Monk's work and his own creative genius.
"Solo: Reflections and Meditations on Monk" is a testament to Wadada Leo Smith's mastery of the trumpet and his profound understanding of jazz history. It's an album that invites listeners to appreciate the timelessness of Monk's music through the lens of Smith's contemporary vision. Whether you're a longtime fan of jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
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