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Harmolodic Monk

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“Judging from the luminous results on Harmolodic Monk, Lavelle and Pietaro have found—nay, invented—a fertile musical vein that’s ripe for exploration.” – FLORENCE WETZEL

 

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John Pietro, Matt Lavelle

 

“With each track, Lavelle and Pietaro manage to find something new to say, moving away from Monk’s viewpoint and shifting gears from the previous number(s). Primal modernism wins out on “Green Chimneys,” the gentler side of Monk is taken to the outer limits in solo features for Lavelle (“Crepuscule With Nellie”) and Pietaro (“Ruby, My Dear”), and “Let’s Cool One,” bookended with Monk-ish stability, features a stunning brass cadenza at its core. Some classics still exude the charms they were born with (“Round Midnight”), but others lurk in the shadows, shrouded in mystery and veiled with individual expression.” – DAN BILAWSKY


“Matt gives us his beautiful take on a classic burnished tone for his trumpet and flugel playing or he can go for a more punchy, brash sound when he feels the need to energize. He sounds quite well on the alto clarinet too, an instrument he has recently gotten into to replace his former doubling on bass clarinet. He sounds great on it. John plays some very appropriate and accomplished vibes as a key melodic and harmonic presence with Matt or in a solo context. His percussion and hand drumming give the music an additional sound that varies the proceedings nicely…Matt and John have their full artistry on display. The results will absorb and move you. Very recommended listening!” – GREG APPLEGATE EDWARDS

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