Who would have thought that the most creative interpretation of the Thelonious Monk songbook would come from the famous “bar band” NRBQ? Well, BELIEVE IT! Terry Adams brings together Scott Ligon/g-B3, Jim Hoke/as-harp-stg, Klem Klimek/as-ts, Pete Donnelly/eb, Pete Toigo/b and Conrad Choucroun/dr for an in concert delivery of Monk pieces that sounds like it’s a night at the Moose Lodge. The 2012 show must have been a hoot, as there are some unbelievably clever arrangements from the bopmeister.
The opening “Reflections” has Adams on pipe organ as if he is delivering a Bach Toccata, whereas you get some Memphis boogie as Klimek and Hoke swing with delight on “In Walked Bud” and “Hornin’ In” as if the band were playing at the local VFW. There is some deep reflection on piano and B3 as Adams and Ligon meditate on “Ask Me Now” while the band twangs like it’s in a joint on Broadway in Nashville on a “Straight, No Chaser.” If Mr. Monk were in the audience for the freewheeling take of “ Think Of One” or “Monk’s Mood,” I’m sure he would have risen a pint from the chair. One round on the house!
Clang! Records