Review by Tom Knight

The Wolfgang Schmidtke Orchestra's album MONK is a tribute to the legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. The album features 11 tracks, all composed by Monk, arranged and performed by the orchestra.

The album opens with the classic "Straight, No Chaser," which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The orchestra's interpretation of Monk's compositions is fresh and exciting, with each musician bringing their own unique style to the music.

One standout track is "Blue Monk," which features a beautiful saxophone solo by Schmidtke himself. The orchestra's use of horns and percussion on this track in particular is impressive and captivating.

The album also includes lesser-known Monk compositions such as "Misterioso" and "Little Rootie Tootie," which the orchestra handles with ease and creativity.

Summary by Tom Knight

MONK is a fantastic tribute to one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. The Wolfgang Schmidtke Orchestra's arrangements and performances are top-notch, making this album a must-listen for any jazz lover.