Thelonious Monk: 'Round Midnight

A member of Edwin Lester's acclaimed Music in Motion series is this stunning release created to pay tribute to the legendary jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk. It is the second piece created by Edwin Lester to pay tribute to this legendary figure in the series.

It depicts Monk at the piano performing.

Thelonious Monk, born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, is a significant figure in the world of jazz. His family moved to New York City when he was just a child, settling in the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of San Juan Hill. It was in this melting pot of music and culture that Monk's love for jazz began to flourish. He was largely self-taught on the piano, but his unique style was honed by the vibrant musical environment he was immersed in. Monk drew inspiration from the stride pianists of Harlem, gospel music from his church, and the rich sounds that filled his community. By his teens, he was performing in local clubs, and by the 1940s, he was pivotal in the bebop movement, playing with other soon-to-be legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

Thelonious Monk, known for his goatee, dark sunglasses, and exotic hats, is celebrated as an iconic jazz musician because of his innovative approach to music. Unlike his peers, Monk did not adhere to the traditional jazz structures of his time. Instead, he embraced dissonance and intricate rhythms, creating compositions that were as challenging as they were beautiful. His work, including the timeless "Round Midnight" and "Blue Monk," is known for its angular melodies and bold harmonies, which pushed the boundaries of jazz composition. Monk's influence went beyond his innovative compositions; his improvisational skills and unique piano style, characterized by unexpected pauses and offbeat accents, made a lasting impact on jazz. His brilliance lay in his ability to express profound emotions through both simplicity and complexity, earning him a well-deserved place among jazz legends. 

Available as a Giclee on Paper or Giclee on Canvas. Measures 36x20 inches in size. Limited edition. Edition size of 35pcs. Ships signed and numbered and with a  certificate of authenticity from the artist.

All canvas giclées are treated with an ultraviolet (UV) coating to preserve the artwork and ensure it displays properly.

Note: The Giclee on Canvas ships unstretched and rolled in a tube.