Even before playing this album I was a little bit in love with it, as not only does it feature seven compositions by the mighty Thelonious Monk, but the album cover screams Fifties/Sixties jazz or blues and looks mighty fine. During COVID lockdown harmonica player Weinstein started experimenting with playing Monk tunes, and soon decided this was a true passion and he has now set himself the task of rearranging and recording all 70 of Monk’s tunes, and with the release of this set he has completed 21 and at the age of 65 he thinks this is a task he should be able to complete.
As this was recorded during lockdown, the musicians were not working together, and that does come across somewhat with these performances, as while they are all totally enjoyable the spark is missing which only comes from when jazz musicians are playing live together. This is a real shame as there is no doubt that Weinstein is a wonderful musician, who even now still studies with teachers to learn more, and he is adept at bringing these tunes to life. I just wish there had been the opportunity to record together as opposed to Weinstein multi-tracking in his bathroom. Given this was recorded between September 2022 and August 2023 I don’t know why the opportunity wasn’t taken to get everyone together (albeit there are different musicians on different tracks), as the result would have been much improved. Interesting and fun, but not totally essential.
Rating: 7/10
