Monk's Playground, by Chris Vasi

Monk's Playground

by Chris Vasi

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Full Digital Discography

21

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Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Drum Chimes I, Collide Escape - Revealing Concealed Worlds, Drum Chimes II, Buena Vista, Dream Bells, Tin Can Chimes, Stormy Canvas Ablaze, Pastel Bells, and 13 more. , and , .

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1.	Let's Cool One 05:40	info	buy track
2.	Off Minor 05:01	info	buy track
3.	Rhythm-a-ning 05:37	info	buy track
4.	Kojo No Tsuki (The Moon Over The Ruined Castle) 05:56	info	buy track
5.	Reflections 05:10	info	buy track
6.	San Francisco Holiday 05:34	info	buy track
7.	Brilliant Corners 04:51	info	buy track
8.	Almost Didn't 06:24	info	buy track
9.	I Mean You 04:56	info	buy track

about

This quintet led by guitarist Chris Vasi re-imagines the music of Thelonious Monk, using elements of jazz, funk, odd-meter, New Orleans, Eastern, and flamenco.

“Thelonious Monk’s knotty little compositions are as easy to recognize as they are tricky to navigate. The appropriately named Monk’s Playground approaches these idiosyncratic constructs as an opportunity for swinging, sliding, spinning, gymnastic musical fun.” (Peter McElhinney, Style Weekly)

“Great Jazz, With a Twist - If you love great jazz, and are adventurous enough to sample something a little offbeat (pardon the pun), then check out this CD. Chris Vasi, the leader of this Richmond, Virginia quintet, has assembled some of the best players in the area, and produced a brilliant collection from the Thelonius Monk catalogue. The twist: there is no piano; Vasi plays guitar throughout. Jonathan Wheelock (bass), and Forest Young (drums), form a rhythm section to rival the greatest anywhere. Lou Hoff and Jonathan Gibson add their talent on woodwinds to complete the arrangements.This is not music for beginners; it requires great skill, timing, dexterity, and mastery of one's instrument to pull these songs off with credibility. Chris and the group have done just that.” (Dan Wheeler, Spectrum Band)

credits

released July 21, 2012

Monk's Playground - Debut Album
Bandleader/Arranger/Guitarist - Chris Vasi

Track Listing:
1 - Let's Cool One (5:41)
2 - Off Minor (5:02)
3 - Rhythm-a-ning (5:38)
4 - Kojo No Tsuki
(The Moon Over The Ruined Castle) (5:57)
5 - Reflections (5:10)
6 - San Francisco Holiday (5:34)
7 - Brilliant Corners (4:51)
9 - Almost Didn't (6:25)

Chris Vasi - Guitar/Arranger
Jonathan Wheelock - Upright Bass
Lou Hoff - Sax
Jonathan Gibson - Sax
Forrest Young - Drums

Recorded and mixed by Lance Koehler
at Minimum Wage
All songs (except 9) arranged by Chris Vasi
All songs by Thelonious Monk
except 4 (Rentaro Taki) and 9
(Vasi/Young/Whellock/Gibson/Hoff)
Cover art by Forrest Young

Special thanks Charlotte Vasi, Will Herring,
Nick Vasi, Sizi Fischer, Michele Vento,
Elizabeth Hoff, Sarah Bass, Sam Sherman,
George Lowe, Christina Newton,
and the staff at Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream,
and of course, Thelonious Monk!

© Chris Vasi and Fortuitous Records

fusion jazz world latin rock instrumental epic prog rock progressive improvisation guitar upright bass sax saxophone flute drums lounge cool

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about

Forrest Young Music Richmond, Virginia

Forrest Young is an American drummer and composer, born in Richmond Virginia. He's appeared on numerous Emmy Award winning PBS documentary soundtracks and recorded with legends of the jazz and progressive rock genres.