A visionary artist whose approach integrates the futurism of 1970s jazz fusion with hip-hop, global folk music influences, chamber music, and multiple strains of modern expression, Diego Gaeta is among the most accomplished young pianists on the flourishing L.A. scene. His long list of credits include appearing on rapper and flutist André 3000’s "Blue Sun" (along with collaborator Carlos Niños) as well as work with Horace Tapscott’s "Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra", the trio Human Error Club, Aaron and Lawrence Shaw’s "Black Nile" project. In the spirit of his upcoming performances in SFJAZZ’s annual Thelonious Monk Festival, Gaeta shares some Monk-related video gems that have inspired him throughout the years.
THELONIOUS MONK - "LIGHT BLUE" from LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES
Diego Gaeta: "Light Blue", from the soundtrack/score to 1959 film Les Liaisons Dangereuses. I haven't yet seen the film, but I am fascinated and enchanted by this recording! It's strange and mind-bending from a rhythm perception perspective in regards to where the "1" is, for me. At the beginning, I intuitively feel the first of the three-note drum phrase as beat "1", however, the melody and composition in a more general sense places the three-note drum phrase as beat 2,3, and 4 which is always trippy to me. The main thing, though, is to me this evokes Madlib and the hip hop instrumental tradition strongly.
THELONIOUS MONK - THE MAKING OF "LIGHT BLUE"
DG: The making of the recording of "Light Blue" aforementioned. This is amazing and so funny.
THELONIOUS MONK - "LIGHT BLUE" FROM THELONIOUS IN ACTION
DG: A more conventionally swung version from 1958. You can really hear the structure and emphasis of the melody here in relation to the "1" that lends clarity to the more trippy soundtrack version to come a year later.
BARRY HARRIS PERFORMING "LIGHT BLUE"
DG: Barry Harris playing a very serene and lovely version of "Light Blue" with a playalong visual score.
THELONIOUS MONK - "LULU'S BACK IN TOWN" FROM IT'S MONK'S TIME
DG: A friend showed me this on a CD while on a drive and we were cracking up the whole time but also swaying joyously and just having a good time. Good times are associated with this song. It is a wild ride. Structurally epic and incredibly thorough; satisfying and so unpredictable. It has my favorite elements of Monk music. Great tune, long Monk solo intro, Rouse playing the melody throughout the solo, epic drum solo, hilarious ending. I love it so much.
THELONIOUS MONK ON TONIGHT w/ STEVE ALLEN
DG: Monk on the Steve Allen Show, a variety show. A funny little document.
MONK'S MUSIC by THE THELONIOUS MONK SEPTET
DG: Monk's Music, a Septet Album from 1957. There's some incredible moments here. And one of the most amazing septet's ever, the band is Monk, Art Blakey, Wilbur Ware, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Gigi Gryce and Ray Copeland. So stacked. I love the album cover photo. It’s my favorite Monk pose of which there are many greats. He’s crouching looking hip in a tiny wagon with sheet music and paper what more could you ask for!
THELONIOUS MONK - 'IN WALKED BUD' from UNDERGROUND
DG: This recording of "In Walked Bud" has always stuck with me because it has Jon Hendricks doing an incredible vocal performance, a rare pairing with Monk music! This is one of the wildest album covers as well. I also like this song because it's a sweet tribute to his friend Bud Powell. I love their bromance.
THELONIOUS MONK WITH JOHN COLTRANE
DG: This is the first Monk album I listened to. My enjoyment holds up to this day. It has a really majestic version of "Ruby, My Dear", which is a beautiful Monk composition. The chemistry between Coltrane and Monk particularly has some pretty potent lessons in jazz essence and wisdom.
THELONIOUS MONK NONET LIVE IN STOCKHOLM, 1967
DG: A hip bootleg version of a very cool song that is very hip hop-ish in a similar way to "Light Blue".
THELONIOUS MONK - "PANNONICA" from ALONE IN SAN FRANCISCO
DG: I love this performance by Monk, and it was in San Francisco! There's a transcription for sale online, I noticed, which is cool if you really dig this version!
THELONIOUS MONK - INTERVIEW
DG: Another funny interview video.
GANG STARR - "JAZZ THING"
DG: Amazing hip hop tribute to many jazz greats, including Monk and "Light Blue"!