Dive into the world of jazz innovation with Steve Lacy's "Monk's Mood," a captivating live album recorded on January 28, 2014, in Germany. This stellar collaboration with the Wolfgang Schmidtke Orchestra and Alexander von Schlippenbach offers a unique blend of free jazz, avant-garde, hard bop, and traditional jazz elements, making it a standout in the genre.
"Monk's Mood" features seven tracks, each showcasing the virtuosity of Steve Lacy and his fellow musicians. The album opens with "Blinks," setting the tone for an hour and six minutes of dynamic and thought-provoking jazz. Standout tracks include "Thelonious," a tribute to the legendary Thelonious Monk, and "Introspection," a wild, almost free-form piece that evokes the spiritual blowing of John Coltrane. The album concludes with "The Crust," leaving the listener with a lasting impression of the ensemble's musical prowess.
Steve Lacy, renowned for his work on the soprano saxophone, brings his distinctive style to this album, making it a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts. The Wolfgang Schmidtke Orchestra and Alexander von Schlippenbach add depth and complexity to the performances, creating a rich and layered sound that is both engaging and intellectually stimulating. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or new to the genre, "Monk's Mood" is sure to captivate and inspire.