Steve Lacy - Only Monk (1987)

Tracklist

1.Evidence – 3:42
2.Humph – 3:29
3.Eronel – 4:38
4.Pannonica – 5:48
5.Little Rootie-Tootie – 4:23
6.Misterioso – 5:49
7.Work – 7:16
8.Light Blue – 4:18
9.Who Knows? – 5:07

All compositions by Thelonious Monk

personnel :

Steve Lacy – soprano saxophone

Steve Lacy has long been one of the foremost interpreters of pianist Thelonious Monk's music. This set is a solo soprano saxophone recital in which Lacy digs into nine of Monk's compositions. Most of the interpretations are quite concise, with all but the seven-minute "Work" clocking in at under six minutes. As usual, Lacy shows great respect for the melodies, and his improvisations are built off of the themes rather than just the chord changes. The sparse setting allows the soprano master to utilize space effectively and to take his time. The overall results, which are certainly for selective tastes, are often fascinating.~ Scott Yanow