Seth Schiesel

Remembering the great Thelonious Monk who was born on this day in 1917. Known as one of the first creators of modern jazz, Monk’s music was known for its humorous, almost playful, quality. His playing was percussive and sparse, often being described as “angular,” and he used complex and dissonant harmonies and unusual intervals and rhythms. He was also one of the most prolific composers in the history of jazz. Many of his compositions, which were generally written in the 12-bar blues or the 32-bar ballad form, became jazz standards. Among his best-known works are “Well, You Needn’t,” “I Mean You,” “Straight, No Chaser,” “Criss-Cross,” “Mysterioso,” “Epistrophy,” “Blue Monk,” and “ ’Round Midnight.” Here, he is performing “Evidence” with Charlie Rouse on saxophone, John Ore on bass and Frankie Dunlop on drums live in Belgium, 1963.