A Drummer's Take on Blue Monk - Solo Improvisation

In this video, I take Blue Monk, one of Thelonious Monk’s most famous compositions, and explore it through a drum improvisation. Building on my previous video, where I transcribed and performed the first 72 bars of Art Blakey’s drumming on Monk’s 1952 trio recording, this video takes a more personal approach. I aim to capture the essence of the song while adding my own voice to the conversation.
Rather than strictly following a transcription, I use Monk’s melody and harmonic structure as a foundation for an improvised drum solo. Blue Monk is a piece that invites deep rhythmic exploration-its blues form provides a familiar framework, yet Monk’s unique phrasing opens up endless creative possibilities.
This solo is an experiment in phrasing, space, and groove-blending traditional jazz vocabulary with my influences. I hope you like this video and that it inspires you to do the same.
If you haven’t seen my previous video analyzing Art Blakey’s original playing on Blue Monk, check it out here: • Blue Monk - Thelonious...
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Song Info:
Band/Artist: Thelonious Monk
Album: Thelonious Monk Trio
Songwriter: Thelonious Monk
Release date: 1954/1956
Label: Prestige