The story behind puzzle No. 14
Thelonious Monk · Straight, No Chaser · Columbia · 1967
Straight, No Chaser is a 12-bar blues, the most familiar form in jazz. Monk made it sound brand new by tripping up the rhythm of a single short phrase.
Monk first recorded the tune for Blue Note on July 23, 1951, with Milt Jackson on vibraphone and Art Blakey on drums. The version in this puzzle comes from the 1967 Columbia album that shares its name, made with his longtime quartet.
Monk had signed with Columbia in 1962, and the label's promotion brought him mainstream fame. In 1964 he was on the cover of Time magazine.
The melody repeats one little idea, but each time it starts on a different beat. It sounds like a joke that keeps changing its punch line. Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, who played with Monk from 1959 to 1970, knew these tunes inside out, and you can hear how naturally he fits Monk's odd angles.
Who's on it
Keep listening
Look for the 1988 documentary Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser for more on the man behind the music.
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