This documentary examines the life and music of
Thelonious Monk. Composed principally of footage shot by
Christian Blackwood in the 60s, the film also includes interviews
with Thelonious Monk, Jr., Monk's road manager Bob Jones and
personal manager Harry Colomby, Monk's long-time tenor
saxophonist Charlie Rouse, and jazz patroness Baroness Pannonica
(Nica) de Koenigswarter.
>My primary interest in this film is, obviously,
the music. All my favorites were featured – Blue Monk,
‘Round Midnight, Epistrophy, Rhythm-a-ning…..I found
myself wanting the film to be entirely performance. This is not
to say that I didn't find the commentary useful or interesting,
however. The musical background and personal anecdotes added
shading and depth to the performances. What I found most painful
to watch was how unsettled Monk was on the European tour. That
there was a camera continually in his face during this period
could only have served to increase his discomfort. I kept wanting
the filmmakers to leave him in peace during his non-performing
moments. Monk was obviously more at ease once he returned to NY,
and to Nica. From this point forward, the personal material was a
bit easier to watch - I felt less like a voyeur.
To those of you who are not jazz fanatics - I'm
interested in your reactions to Monk's music.
