from the album The complete London collection (Black lion) CD3
recorded in 1971
Postscript from the album.
"Chordially, was actually the first music from this session and is, in some ways, the most extraordinary of the entire set. Certainly it's the most unusual, for we seldom have the chance to hear nearly ten minutes of a major jazz musician warming up. That is, not so much getting himself in shape as checking out the responsiveness and state of health of the piano he has to work with-let us not forget that other performers carry their instruments with them but 'acoustic' pianists, and in more recent times drummers and occasionally bassists on international tours, have to make out with whatever is provided for them. But what is fascinating is that Monk, being a composer, is unable to carry out this routine task without at the same time experimenting with chord densities and creating potential new melodies. There are reminiscences of old melodies too (especially Pannonica and perhaps Monk's Mood), but Monk is not yet ready to play, merely to explore, and this one and only glimpse into his workshop is beyond price"
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