A Timeless Jazz Treasure Revisited

Monk Live in ’66 remains a classic DVD, offering a fresh and revitalizing glimpse into the genius of a jazz master at work. This beautifully restored collection of film clips captures music that truly stands the test of time, allowing viewers to witness up close how Thelonious Monk works his magic. Classic compositions like “Blue Monk,” “Round Midnight,” and “Epistrophy” come alive as Monk demonstrates his creative brilliance, improvising and comping with remarkable dexterity alongside his talented bandmates, featuring the legendary quartet of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Larry Gales, and drummer Ben Riley.

As Quincy Jones aptly notes in the liner notes, this DVD represents “an audio-visual treasure trove of the music that changed the world.”

The Complete Package

The DVD comes with an informative twenty-page booklet that significantly enhances the viewing experience. It features:

1. A foreword by Monk’s son, T.S. Monk.
2. Detailed liner notes by Don Stickler, arranger and trumpet player with Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy Septet.
3. A collection of striking photographs of Monk.
4. A fascinating montage of magazine articles, cover shots, posters, and other memorabilia from this period in Monk’s career.

Behind the Scenes

Initially watching without referencing the booklet, several questions arose: Monk’s curious choice of headwear for the Norway performance, Ben Riley’s surprisingly minimal two-piece drum kit, and most notably, the absence of an audience for supposedly “live” performances.

The liner notes provide valuable context, explaining that these sessions were recorded before the audience arrived in Norway and a television studio setting in Denmark. The booklet also offers insights into Monk’s distinctive hat selection and Riley’s drum kit choices, adding layers of understanding to what we see on screen.

The DVD offers:

1. Excellent sound quality.
2. Very good film restoration.
3. Exceptional camera work that highlights Monk’s unique keyboard technique.

While there are occasional moments where the film appears spliced together, these brief disruptions (1-2 seconds) are minimal and hardly detract from the overall experience. The absence of an audience, though initially disappointing, ultimately allows for a more intimate viewing experience—almost like sitting in on a private studio session with the master himself.

For Monk enthusiasts who have long wondered about his keyboard approach, this DVD provides invaluable insights. The camera angles reveal the pianist’s technique, expressions, and interactions with his bandmates in remarkable detail. What emerges is not just a performance document but an educational resource that illuminates Monk’s style, the group dynamic, and the personalities of these remarkable musicians.

Tracks

Norway ’66:
1. Lulu’s Back In Town
2. Blue Monk
3. ‘Round Midnight

Denmark ’66:
1. Lulu’s Back In Town
2. Don’t Blame Me
3. Epistrophy