Thelonious Monk

October 10th – Thelonious Monk’s birthday.  In 2012 there is 95 years since he was born.


Thelonious Monk – a legendary, innovative, genius jazz musician.
He’s a skilled, gifted pianist, composer developing own position.
Monk’s known for his extraordinary improvisation and originality.
He pioneered a new music style, possessing distinct individuality.

Thelonious was open minded, inventive, and unpredictable at times.
While having been often misunderstood, he managed to arise and rise.
His melodies, rhythms, harmonies – novel, unconventional and rare.
Monk did not hesitate fulfilling his artistic vision, he did simply dare.

He integrated boogie-woogie, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, evolving style.
Monk had resembled one-man orchestra playing piano as a risky trial.
Thelonious’ technical skill was masterful, harmonies – complicated.
His musical original improvisation by no one could ever be replicated.

He had appeared to be born, so did his music, a little bit ahead of time.
Traditionally trained, Monk had stepped forward with new paradigm.
His music, phrasing, pacing, pausing, humor, fashion were unique.
Some critiques at the time perceived, interpreted it as weird, weak.

Thelonious did not give up but he continued writing and performing.
His music represented bebop, modern jazz revolutionizing, storming.
Monk outstood with versatility, imagination, virtuosity and passion.
His state-of-the-art jazz innovation became recognized as a sensation.

October 10th – a birthday of the bebop jazz architect, leader and pioneer,
Honest, intelligent, committed, loving, caring, witty Thelonious Sphere.
He had inspired and influenced many genres and professional musicians.
Monk’s legacy is in generosity, integrity, enthusiasm, inventive visions.


Copyright©2012 Mila Alper


* Photo is from the Internet