Monk in Motian (album)

Monk in Motian is the first album by Paul Motian to be released on the German JMT label. It was released in 1988 and features ten compositions by Thelonious Monk performed by Motian with Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano. Geri Allen and Dewey Redman make guest appearances. The album was reissued in 2002 on the Winter & Winter label.

Reception
The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4.5 stars stating "This is an utterly fascinating tribute to the music of Thelonious Monk. Most of the selections feature the unusual trio of tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, guitarist Bill Frisell (who with his wide range of original sounds is really a one-band band), and drummer Paul Motian. Tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman and pianist Geri Allen are guests on two songs apiece and fit in quite well with the sparse but very complete trio. Among the ten Monk songs explored, taken apart and given surprising treatment are "Evidence," "Bye-Ya," "Ugly Beauty," and "Trinkle Tinkle." Recommended to open-eared listeners.".

Track listing

 * 1) "Crepuscule with Nellie" - 4:57
 * 2) "Justice (Evidence)" - 4:41
 * 3) "Ruby, My Dear" - 4:52
 * 4) "Straight, No Chaser" - 4:27
 * 5) "Bye-Ya" - 5:00
 * 6) "Ugly Beauty" - 4:57
 * 7) "Trinkle, Trinkle" - 4:55
 * 8) "Epistrophy" (Clarke, Monk)  - 7:01
 * 9) "Off Minor" - 4:20
 * 10) "Reflections" - 4:48


 * All compositions by Thelonious Monk except as indicated
 * Recorded March 1988 at A&R Recording Studios, NYC

Personnel

 * Paul Motian - drums
 * Bill Frisell - electric guitar
 * Joe Lovano - tenor saxophone
 * Geri Allen - piano
 * Dewey Redman - tenor saxophone