The third in pianist
Eric Reed's ongoing exploration of the music of pianist
Thelonious Monk, 2014's
The Adventurous Monk is a highly engaging, deeply swinging celebration of the bebop innovator's sound. The album follows up
Reed's previous
Monk-themed albums, 2011's
The Dancing Monk and 2012's
The Baddest Monk. Backing
Reed here is his adept rhythm section of bassist
Ben Williams and drummer
Gregory Hutchinson. Also joining
Reed is tenor saxophonist
Seamus Blake, who appeared on
The Baddest Monk, and vocalist
Charenée Wade, who lends her urbane, soulful style to
Monk's classic "Ruby, My Dear." More than just making a covers album or homage,
Reed never fails to seize the opportunity to truly explore the complexities and nuances of
Monk's music, endeavoring to find his own voice in the compositions. ~ Matt Collar