Monk In Motian

Personnel: Paul Motian (drums); Joe Lovano, Dewey Redman (tenor saxophone);
Geri Allen (piano); Bill Frisell (electric guitar).
Recorded at A&R Studios, New York, New York in March 1988.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
This is an utterly fascinating tribute to the music of Thelonious Monk. Most of the selections feature the unusual trio of tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, guitarist Bill Frisell (who with his wide range of original sounds is really a one-band band), and drummer Paul Motian. Tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman and pianist Geri Allen are guests on two songs apiece and fit in quite well with the sparse but very complete trio. Among the ten Monk songs explored, taken apart and given surprising treatment are "Evidence," "Bye-Ya," "Ugly Beauty," and "Trinkle Tinkle." Recommended to open-eared listeners. ~ Scott Yanow