THEOLONIOUS MONK : excerpt from “Straight, No Chaser”, documentary, 1988, footage clip from 1968

At about 3:30, song ends, and Monk is not happy with producer’s response to his question. Very cool look at the inner workings of a jazz legend.

Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser. Filmmaker Bruce Ricker couldn’t believe his luck. Michael and Christian Blackwood’s extensive 1968 footage of the groundbreaking modern jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, including the only footage of the very private Monk off stage, was in excellent condition. The reels were, in Ricker’s words, “just sitting there like the Dead Sea Scrolls of jazz.” Ricker, as co-producer, joins director and fellow producer Charlotte Zwerin (Gimme Shelter), executive producer Clint Eastwood and others to bring these scrolls to astonishing life. Their Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser combines the Blackwood’s rare footage of Monk in studio on tour and behind the scenes with new interviews, archival photos and more to create a landmark aural and visual treat. Year: 1988 Director: Charlotte Zwerin

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