Jimmy Owens - The Monk Project

Review by David Bello

The Monk Project, Jimmy Owens' latest album, is a tribute to the iconic jazz pianist and composer, Thelonious Monk. The album features Owens on trumpet, along with an impressive lineup of musicians, including Wycliffe Gordon on trombone, Marcus Strickland on saxophone, and Howard Johnson on tuba, among others.

The album opens with a lively rendition of "Straight No Chaser," one of Monk's most popular compositions. The musicians' energy and enthusiasm are palpable, and the solos are both inventive and respectful of the original melody. The same can be said for the rest of the album, which includes classics like "Ruby, My Dear," "Blue Monk," and "Round Midnight."

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Monk's Mood," a ballad that showcases Owens' lyrical trumpet playing. The arrangement is sparse, with only piano and bass accompanying Owens, but the musicians' restraint allows the beauty of the melody to shine through.

Summary by David Bello

The Monk Project is a loving tribute to one of jazz's most important figures. Owens and his bandmates have clearly done their homework, and the album is a fitting tribute to Monk's legacy. Fans of jazz and Monk in particular will find much to enjoy here.