专辑简介

by Joslyn Layne

Impressions of Monk finds pianist Georg Graewe leading the way through unique interpretations and arrangements of Thelonious Monk compositions. Joining Graewe are Marcio Mattos on bass and Michael Vatcher on drums and zither. The album opens with Graewe's solo reworking of "Brilliant Corners" then jumps right into a trio take on "I Mean You," surprisingly more faithful, in sections, to the original than would be expected (Vatcher even rides the cymbal). The group does take the piece rather far out during the 11 minute version but more often straddles the borders between deconstructing a piece, playing around the known themes, and simply playing it straight. In fact, throughout this album, when the trio isn't playing Monk borderline straight, as with "Bye-Ya," they frame the tunes in such a way that the original often plays in the back of your mind, cued by hints and straightly delivered phrases. The contrast -- or combination -- is very pleasant, and the communication between Graewe, Mattos, and Vatcher is commendable, resulting in an album of tight and fresh re-interpretations. This release is the trio's second on the Nuscope label, following the equally successful Subsymbolism.