PAPATAMUS REDUX

CONTAGIOUS MUSIC (RELEASED OCTOBER 10)

The music of Thelonious Monk is full of surprises. So is Dayna Stephen’s Monk’D.
The first surprise is that Stephens, who is known for this sax playing, plays bass on Monk’D, and does it very well. He honed his bass skills at the Monk Institute as well as touring with a variety bands in the early 2000s. The second surprise is the appearance of Stephen Riley, an often-overlooked saxophonist who brings his unique haunting tone to the session. Another surprise is the selection of tunes — lesser-known compositions from Monk’s catalog, including “Coming on the Hudson, “Humph” and “Stuffy Turkey.” Perhaps the biggest surprise is that this is the first recording for the group of Stephens, Riley, pianist Ethan Iverson and drummer Eric McPherson, and they manage to capture the jagged rhythms, off-kilter harmonies and sense of musical humor of Monk in a refreshing and respectful manner. Unlike repertoire bands that merely recreate the music of Monk (many have tried), this band imbibes the spirit of Monk in the nine selections. Riley, who is often compared to a cross between Ben Webster and Stan Getz, literally breaths new twists and turns into Monk’s compositions. Check out his soft, luxurious playing on ballads such as “Ruby My Dear” and “Ugly Beauty” as well as his more effusive playing on up-tempo tunes such as “Hornin’ In” and “Brake’s Sake.” Rather than copying Monk’s piano playing style, Iverson’s comping and solos are Monk-ish in spirit but all Iverson in substance and style. Check out his off-tempo solo on “Hornin’ In” and his intriguing introduction to “Ruby My Dear.” Stephen’s bass lines provide the solid foundation for the band, while McPherson’s rhythmic punctuation marks add the perfect Monk punch to tunes. My only complaint is the title track — an original Monk-style blues with an abrupt fade at the end. Butch Warren, Charlie Rouse, Monk and Ben Riley may have set the bar for performing Monk tunes on those classic Columbia record dates, but Stephens, Riley, Iverson and McPherson have raised the bar for performers who want to keep the essence of Monk alive — surprises!

BOTTOM LINE:  If they give awards for the best recording of Thelonious Monk tunes in 2025, Dayna Stephen’s Monk’D would top the list. Stephens sets his sax down and takes up the bass for this session that features Steven Riley on tenor, Ethan Iverson on piano and Eric McPherson on drums. They manage to capture the quirkiness and creativity of Monk in a refreshing and respectful manner. Fans of Monk’s music will definitely want to get Monk’D!