Thelonious Monk‘s “Crepuscule with Nellie” is a jazz standard beloved for its quirky charm and haunting melody.
Its unique structure and harmonic twists have inspired countless jazz musicians to put their own spin on this classic.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most notable cover versions of “Crepuscule with Nellie”, exploring how artists like Jason Moran and Greg Lewis reinterpret this iconic piece.
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Thelonious Monk’s “Crepuscule with Nellie”, Monk’s Music (1957)
Thelonious Monk composed “Crepuscule with Nellie” as a tribute to his wife Nellie during her 1957 surgery for a thyroid disorder. This poignant ballad first appeared on his album Monk’s Music that same year. Later reissues included multiple takes, highlighting the tune’s evolution. The initial, polished version features Monk on piano, Art Blakey on drums, Wilbur Ware on bass, and a horn section boasting Gigi Gryce, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, and Ray Copeland.
This rendition opens with a contemplative solo piano introduction from Monk, followed by the subtle addition of drums and bass. Ware’s bowed bass accents certain phrases, adding a touch of melancholic beauty. Blakey’s understated brushwork on the snare creates a delicate atmosphere. Monk highlights a particularly catchy melodic phrase, foreshadowing its significance in later interpretations.
Around the halfway mark, the horns join in, fleshing out the “Crepuscule” melody. Monk plays in unison with the horns, occasionally adding tasteful fills between phrases. He masterfully utilizes silence as a compositional element. The previously introduced melodic phrase reappears, this time performed in unison by Monk and the horns. This rendition of “Crepuscule” is a masterpiece of nuanced composition, blending written music with carefully crafted spaces for improvisation.
Thelonious Monk’s “Crepuscule with Nellie”, Paris 1969 (2013)
Monk’s enduring fascination with “Crepuscule with Nellie” is evident in its repeated appearances throughout his career. Released in 2013, Paris 1969 offers a poignant solo piano rendition, showcasing the tune’s core twelve years after its debut. In this stripped-down version, Monk emphasizes the essence of the melody, eschewing elaborate solos or improvisations.
While the start echoes the original Monk’s Music recording, the absence of drums and bass leads Monk to incorporate these elements into his piano work. He makes space for the full chords to resonate, adding flourishes with his right hand. The tune ends with a celebratory right-hand trill and cheers of “Bravo!”
This later version highlights Monk’s continued intrigue with the melody itself. Rather than extensive improvisation, he lets the theme speak for itself, with only subtle embellishments towards the end.
Beyond Monk’s own explorations of “Crepuscule” (including notable versions on Criss-Cross, his collaborations with John Coltrane, and Live at Town Hall), the tune has inspired countless covers.
In the following analysis, we’ll delve into these diverse interpretations…
Jason Moran’s “Crepuscule with Nellie”, Ten (2010)
Let’s begin with Jason Moran‘s “Crepuscule with Nellie” from his 2010 album Ten. Featuring his regular bandmates Tarus Mateen (bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums), this rendition offers a unique twist on Monk’s classic.
Moran cleverly introduces the piece with a fragment of the melody from the middle of the tune, setting up an intriguing vamp. The band then transitions into a new section that incorporates a portion of Monk’s melody. It’s as if Moran has sampled Monk’s tune, creatively reworking it to provide the foundation for his own dazzling piano solo.
Mateen and Waits establish a solid groove, with a particularly airy feel. They shift into a bluesy vamp based on the “Crepuscule” melody. Mateen takes the spotlight with a solo, while Moran’s piano deftly handles the low end.
Following Mateen’s bass solo, the trio continues their vamp, embellished with Moran’s ornamental piano fills. The interplay between the musicians is exceptional, maintaining a strong groove throughout.
The band dynamically winds down before returning to a more traditional take on Monk’s “Crepuscule” to conclude the piece. Waits’ drum roll provides the backdrop for Moran’s final melodic statement in the high register, echoing Monk’s own ending.
It’s worth noting that Moran frequently includes this tune in his live sets. His Village Vanguard performance, recorded by NPR, is a standout. Additionally, a fascinating interview with Moran discussing the challenges of interpreting Monk offers further insight into his approach.
Greg Lewis’ “Crepuscule with Nellie”, Organ Monk: Uwo in the Black (2012)
Let’s explore a contrasting take on “Crepuscule”, this time featuring Nasheet Waits on drums alongside Greg Lewis‘ organ on his 2012 album Organ Monk: Uwo In The Black. This duet showcases a unique perspective on Monk’s composition.
Lewis establishes both the melody and bass foundation on the organ, while Waits’ drumming adds a dynamic, skittering texture. Their rendition unfolds with a loose, unhurried tempo. The organ transforms the feel of Monk’s familiar chords, adding a slightly off-kilter quality towards the ending.
While perhaps not a quintessential “Crepuscule” interpretation, this version stands apart due to its distinctive instrumentation. It’s a fascinating deviation from the standard piano-led versions and well worth exploring.
Spike Wilner’s “Crepuscule with Nellie”, La Tendresse (2012)
This featured version of “Crepuscule With Nellie” spotlights Spike Wilner, not only the pianist but also the proprietor of Small’s Jazz Club. His album La Tendresse presents Dezron Douglas on bass and Joey Saylor on drums. Their interpretation of “Crepuscule” opens with Wilner’s solo piano, skillfully paying homage to Monk’s technique while injecting his own unique flair.
As the introduction culminates, Douglas and Saylor join seamlessly, steering the piece towards a profound blues exploration. The composition then gives way to a mesmerizing piano solo by Wilner, perfectly balanced with Saylor’s smooth, swinging rhythms and Douglas’s consistent walking bass.
Wilner’s solo stands out for its creativity and faithful reflection of Monk’s melodic essence. The trio then revisits the theme with a flexible, interpretative approach, artfully wrapping up this outstanding piano trio rendition of “Crepuscule.”
Conclusion
Monk’s unique compositions, like “Crepuscule with Nellie”, pose an exciting challenge to musicians, pushing boundaries and sparking innovation.
It’s a testament to his genius that his music keeps inspiring new perspectives.
Moran’s deconstructive approach, Lewis’s unusual instrumentation, and Wilner’s blues-infused take are only a few examples.
They prove that Monk’s legacy lives on, not only in faithful renditions, but as a springboard for creativity – which is exactly the kind of vibrant tribute his music deserves.