Monkin’ Around – The Musician’s Playlist

An exciting new trio featuring Dave O’Higgins (tenor saxophone), Luke Fowler (double bass) and Billy Pod (drums) the intention of the quartet is in the name of the group; to explore the compositions of Thelonious Monk.

“This is a really exciting project because it allows us to delve into Monk’s jazz cubism and reinterpret it in a fresh, minimalist way”, says bassist Luke Fowler, adding that “In trio format with no chordal instrument, it was an interesting challenge that demanded some degree of re-interpretation.”

Agreeing with Luke’s comments, drummer Billy Pod says “Monk’s strong rhythmic ideas create a unique melody of their own, providing a great canvas for us to experiment with and create our own improvisational stories.”

This sense of discovery was evident in the two sessions in which the trio recorded live in the studio. Capturing the spontaneous interactions among the musicians. “Everyone was in the same room with no headphones, just like we play on a gig,” says O’Higgins. “This is very ‘old school’ and doesn’t allow for things like clinical separation or repairs but, on a good day it’s often much more intuitive and enjoyable for the musicians.”

Ahead of the release date of the debut album 4 in 1 by Monkin’ Around on Friday 4^th October, Jazz Views invited Dave, Luke and Billy to select their ten favourite albums.

The trio decided to pick three albums each, and one mutual favourite.

Dave O’Higgins:

Dexter Gordon – Go

For me, Dexter at the peak of his powers made the best sound it’s possible to make on a saxophone. This is my favourite record and all the tunes are bangers. I know every note! Billy Higgins is so swinging, too.

John Coltrane – Blue Train

I guess when I started I wanted to sound like a cross between early 60s Dexter and 1957 Trane. I still do! I love the edgy restraint of not quite going totally double time on “Blue Train”, the balance of harmonic complexity and diatonic pedals on “Moment’s Notice” and the sheer plaintive beauty of “I’m Old Fashioned”.

Horace Silver – Silver’n’Brass

The tunes and arrangements on this record are fantastic, and for me the 70s combination of Bob Berg & Tom Harrell was one of the great characterful pairings of jazz history. Berg is impassioned, melodic & angry all at the same time. What more could you want? Perhaps the chilled, lyrical elegance of Mr Harrell….?

Luke Fowler:

Soul Station – Hank Mobley

This is one of those albums that in my opinion is perfect, it’s so lyrical and swinging it’s also like “kind of blue” in that it’s approachable for those who don’t know much about jazz as I didn’t when I was younger.

At The Lighthouse – The Cannonball Adderley Quintet

There are other fabulous albums by this group that still blow my mind but this one for me is the quintessence of playful, swinging and good natured. A lot of this has to do with the light hearted nature of cannonballs song introductions.

We Get Requests – Oscar Peterson Trio

Once again there are many other OP trio albums that are seminal and worth checking out. But this to me epitomises the style and elegance of OP and his trio, due in no small part to the fact they are all wearing tuxedos on the album cover ha ha… Ray Brown was also the reason I picked up the bass.

Billy Pod:

Miles Davis – Nefertiti

The ‘second quintet’ at its best. Tony Williams is one of my favourite drummers. His drumming stands out for its innovation and artistry. His cymbal work, syncopated rhythms and his use of space are integral to the album’s overall sound. ‘Nefertiti’ and ‘Pinocchio’ are two of my main points of reference for new ideas and soloing.

John Coltrane – Crescent

My favourite John Coltrane album as it captures in the best way his transition to a more spiritual and emotional expressive style (right before the release of ‘Love Supreme’). The Rhythmic depth of Elvin Jones on this album is just boundless and tracks like ‘Wise One’ reflect a deep intention for exploration.

Ahmad Jamal – Live at the Pershing: But not for me

A timeless album and definitely one that I always go back to. It always brings joy with its elegance and sensitivity. It’s a contrast to the bebop style of Jazz but doesn’t lack the depth and sophistication. Vernel Fournier is so tasteful and elegant with his different textures and unique rhythms.

Mutual favourite:

Thelonious Monk – Criss Cross

This is our mutual favourite and no wonder that we started the Monkin’ Around trio after our monthly residency at the Troubadour in West London. Monks music became the perfect canvas for us and now we have a new album full of our own versions and arrangements. We can’t wait to play this music wit on the 16th of October at the Pizza Express, Dean Street.