SKJazz about “Monks Midnight” – highly recommended

It remains popular to reinterpret old, well-known songs or jazz standards in fresh and innovative ways! Although I am not always a fan of this approach, I must admit that the album Monk’s Midnight (released by Hevhetia) is an exceptionally accomplished work! This success was ensured by an international quartet led by Polish pianist and vocalist Ilona Damiecka, a graduate of the Academy of Music in Katowice’s Faculty of Jazz and Popular Music.

Ilona Damiecka assembled an international quartet comprising Polish double bassist Paweł Urowski, Italian guitarist and vocalist Francesca Bertazzo-Hart, and American drummer Eric Allen. The album Monk’s Midnight features 10 compositions by the world-renowned Thelonious Monk. Tracks such as Well You Needn’t, Ask Me Now, Blue Monk (with lyrics by the legendary American singer Abbey Lincoln), Round Midnight, Monk’s Dream, and the finale Straight, No Chaser (with lyrics by singer Jon Hendricks) are just a small selection of the musical treasures on this album. In short, Monk’s Midnight is a tribute to the legendary American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, with newly arranged works recorded by an international quartet under the leadership of Polish pianist and vocalist Ilona Damiecka.

Beyond the outstanding performances, the album offers a calming atmosphere and a sense of well-being unmatched by anything else! I highly recommend it!

Patrick Španko