As much a note-to-self as anything, as I’m currently mending the holes in my collection with a whole lot of Prestige reissues. A birthday present, of sorts.
Monk, Monk, MONK! He’s my favorite pianist to watch, simply for those stabby, hunt-and-peck fingers jabbing at the keyboard.
Earlier today, Lists of Note published a list of advice by Monk written in 1960. It’s genius. Here are a few of my favorites:
- STOP PLAYING ALL THOSE WEIRD NOTES (THAT BULLSHIT), PLAY THE MELODY!
- DISCRIMINATION IS IMPORTANT.
- DON’T PLAY THE PIANO PART, I’M PLAYING THAT. DON’T LISTEN TO ME. I’M SUPPOSED TO BE ACCOMPANYING YOU!
- THE INSIDE OF THE TUNE (THE BRIDGE) IS THE PART THAT MAKES THE OUTSIDE SOUND GOOD.
- WHATEVER YOU THINK CAN’T BE DONE, SOMEBODY WILL COME ALONG & DO IT. A GENIUS IS THE ONE MOST LIKE HIMSELF.
There’s way more than that. Head over and give it a read through. I’m sure you’ll find a few that you like as well. MONK!
