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With Monk Movements (Batiste Piano Series, Vol. 4), Jon Batiste expands short-form compositions by Thelonious Monk into solo piano works imbued with classical structure and post modern grandeur. Moving between reverence and reinvention, these performances spotlight Monk’s melodies as living, expressive architecture. — (via Label)

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Musician Jon Batiste introduced his solo Batiste Piano Series in 2024. The first volume, Beethoven Blues, reinterpreted some of the composer's best known works including Für Elise and Moonlight Sonata, alongside original compositions. In August 2026 he returned with an additional three volumes: Black Mozart, Monk Meditations, and this, Monk Movements. While he is hardly the first jazz pianist to take on the works of composers from the Western classical canon, Batiste's diverse New Orleans musical background prepared him for it. The latter three albums draw connections between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Thelonious Sphere Monk, two composers Batiste considers kindred musical spirits. He approaches Monk's compositions here as musical movements rather than tunes while embracing spontaneous composition. He includes four tunes by the composer and three of his own. The dynamic presentation differs greatly from the quieter, gentler explorations offered on Monk Meditations. — (via AllMusic)

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Monk Movements takes the iconic pianist’s famous compositions into more jazz improvisations. Yet, the only lengthy track is “Monk Movement” at 13 minutes. On the other hand, “Brilliant Corners” only runs for a minute. The familiar percussive, angular melodies are very apparent in the head. From there, Batiste improvises freely, stepping up to resume the theme at times. As these take shape, Monk’s music is essentially transformed into modern-day classical music, albeit with a stomping, foot-tapping vibe as Batiste lets his imagination roam freely. You’ll immediately hear his rollicking side on “In Walked Bud,” setting this album distinctly apart from Monk Meditations. Yet, you’ll hear the requisite sensitivity and playfulness (especially the laughing injections) in “Ugly Beauty.” On Batiste’s own compostions, he clearly internalizes the Monk style, as you’d expect, consummating all facets and multiple Monk melodies on “Monk Movement.”You’ll notice that Kaleb Rollins is the arranger on Monk Movements. He is also the engineer on all three volumes. — (via Glide Magazine)

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Label: Verve Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Released: 2026
Genre: Jazz

File under: Jazz - Piano
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