Thelonious Monk live in Palais des Beaux-Arts is an electrifying documentary-style film that pays tribute to the jazz legend, Thelonious Monk. Filmed in 1965 at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, the movie captures Monk's quintet in a rare and stunning moment of musical brilliance. The film opens with footage of the Belgian audience arriving at the venue, excited to see Monk perform. They file into the concert hall, settling into their seats with anticipation. Once the lights are dimmed, the audience is treated to a mesmerizing performance by Monk and his band.
The film is directed by Christian Blackwood, who seamlessly captures moments of intense creativity and emotion in the music. Blackwood's camera work is outstanding, as he zooms in on the intricacies of Monk's fingering and captures the raw energy of the jazz quintet.
Monk himself is mesmerizing to watch. He is completely immersed in his playing, with his eyes closed and head nodding. The audience is transfixed by his performance, and it's easy to see why he was considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
One of the highlights of the film is the incredible interplay between Monk and his saxophonist, Charlie Rouse. Rouse is simply outstanding, with his saxophone perfectly complementing Monk's piano. Together, they create a beautiful, intricate web of sound that captivates the audience.
Throughout the performance, Monk and his band perform a mix of classic jazz standards and original compositions. Each song is a masterpiece in its own right, with Monk and his band adding their own unique twist to each piece. The audience is clearly swept away by the music, with the film capturing the wild cheers and applause at the end of each song.
The film is not just a celebration of Monk's genius, but also a showcase of the incredible talent of his band. Each member of the quintet adds their own unique flair to the music, creating a beautiful and harmonious sound.
The stunning black and white cinematography adds to the film's timeless quality. It feels as though we are transported back in time to 1965, witnessing one of the greatest jazz performances of all time.
Overall, Thelonious Monk live in Palais des Beaux-Arts is a must-see for any lover of jazz music or anyone looking to experience a truly unforgettable performance. The film is a tribute to Monk's musical genius and captures the essence of what makes jazz such an incredible art form.
Thelonious Monk live in Palais des Beaux-Arts is a 1963 music movie with a runtime of 25 minutes.
