Thelonious Monk - Underground (1968)

Just had a good dig into Thelonious Monk's Columbia output for the first time in ages, and this is the one I always end up with on repeat for days.  Arguably his last great album, recorded in late '67 and early '68, Monk the composer was significantly revived here; as much as he's endlessly enjoyable casting a fresh light on his familiar tunes, the extra new material on Underground makes it all the more enjoyable.  The infamous album cover dials up the 'jazz iconoclast' image to eleven, with Monk imagining himself as a French Resistance fighter capturing a Nazi bunker.  As you do.

The Columbia quartet of Monk, Rouse, Riley and Gales are here for the last time and in fine form, although half the album is effectively a trio date, with Charlie Rouse away at his father's funeral.  The extended versions of most of these tracks on CD reissues let the great group swing and shine all the more, especially on the gorgeous Green Chimneys.  If there's one thing I love about Monk's records, it's the sense of space, and there's plenty of that here too in his unique, classic style.  Furthering the standout status of Underground in Monk's catalogue are his only waltz tune, Ugly Beauty, and a closing guest turn for jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks on In Walked Bud.

link
pw: sgtg