It’s fitting that Teodross Avery should do a tribute to Bop Icon Thelonious Monk, as his rich and thick tone is reminiscent of perennial Monk sideman Charlie Rouse. He delivers Spherical tunes with two different teams, with Band 1 consisting of Anthony Wonsey/p, Corcoran Holt/b, Willie Jones III/dr ang guest Allokoi Peete/cajon and Band 2 comprised of DD Jackson/p, Corcoran Holt/b and marvin Smith/dr.
For Band 1, Peete’s cajon adds a rich pulse to an optimistic and upbeat “Ruby, My Dear” while the rhythm team snaps to “Teo” and “Evidence”. Holt leans into a hip intro to “ Evience” and Wonsley floats well on “Monk’s Dream”. Avery brings out his soprano sax for a lovely “Ugly Beauty” and an ebullient “Pannonica” that has his gliding with Holt’s bowed bass. Jackson strides right on a bopping “In Walked Bud” with Avery getting into a ‘Trane trance on the fun-fested “Trinkle, Tinkle”. Monk would be dancing around the piano in heaven to these versions.