Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) was an American jazz pianist and composer who made huge strides in the genre and is considered to be one of the most influential figures in jazz history He was renowned for his unique improvisational style, which fused together traditional bebop with modern techniques, as well as for his use of dissonance and dissonant chords. Monk is also one of the few jazz musicians who composed a large body of work, with over 70 tunes in his repertoire.
One of the most defining features of Monk’s music was its unorthodox structure. His compositions often featured syncopated phrases, offbeat accents, and quirky melodic lines. The harmonic progressions that Monk often employed in his pieces were often quite unexpected, as he often incorporated traditional jazz harmonies with more contemporary elements.
Thelonious Monk’s best works include:
1. “Round Midnight”: This is Monk’s most popular and celebrated piece. Written in 1944, the song has become a jazz standard and has been recorded by a huge number of jazz musicians since then.
2. “Straight, No Chaser”: Written in 1947, this piece is one of Monk’s most famous tunes and showcases his masterful use of offbeat accents and unusual harmonic progressions.
3. “Blue Monk”: Written in 1954, this piece is another jazz standard and is notable for its funky and upbeat groove.
4. “Ruby, My Dear”: Written in 1946, this piece is one of Monk’s most popular ballads and shows his ability to create beautiful melodic lines.
5. “Well You Needn’t”: Written in 1945, this is one of Monk’s most known up-tempo bop tunes and features an infectious melody coupled with a complex rhythm.