Unless someone knows better, I’ll say this is probably the first time that a programme of Thelonious Monk tunes has been recorded by a harmonica player – in this case the veteran Randy Weinstein. His biography tells us he has performed in various settings, so why not take a plunge into Monk? The 65-year-old Weinstein says: “I set a goal for myself. Before I die, I want to record my versions of all 70 Monk compositions. That will be my legacy.”
Given that this material is so well known, and regarded as sacred by many, there will no doubt be people sceptical of this treatment. In my opinion, the interpretations vary in success. Bright Mississippi, Monk’s take on Sweet Georgia Brown, is a given a country blues twist, but for me the theme is almost totally buried by the mix of chromatic and diatonic harmonicas, guitar and percussion effects.
Where the themes are allowed to flow, the results are more pleasing to the ear. That’s the case with Straight No Chaser, given an unusual treatment in New Orleans style; the combination of harmonica and tuba is most effective. Ruby, My Dear is equally effective in its reverent approach, Weinstein being joined by guitarist Pete Smith. The thrust of In Walked Bud is difficult to ignore.
All the engineering for this release came from Weinstein himself as did all the arrangements and if we are to believe the CD insert, some of the recording was carried out in two separate living rooms, making this close to a homemade effort.
This is the kind of curio the jazz world comes up with from time to time, and well worth dipping into.
Discography
Bright Mississippi; Bye-Ya; Green Chimneys; In Walked Bud; Off Minor; Ruby, My Dear; Straight, No Chaser (37.58)
Collectively: Randy Weinstein (hca, pc, kyb, efx); Michaela Gomez, Pete Smith (g); Clyde Stubblefield (drum samples); George Rush (tu, b); Richard Huntley (d, pc). September 2022 – August 2023.
Random Chance Records RCD-50
