The third in pianist
Eric Reed
's ongoing exploration of the music of pianist
Thelonious Monk
, 2014's
The Adventurous Monk
is a highly engaging, deeply swinging celebration of the bebop innovator's sound. The album follows up
Reed
's previous
Monk
-themed albums, 2011's
The Dancing Monk
and 2012's
The Baddest Monk
. Backing
here is his adept rhythm section of bassist
Ben Williams
and drummer
Gregory Hutchinson
. Also joining
is tenor saxophonist
Seamus Blake
, who appeared on
, and vocalist
Charenee Wade
, who lends her urbane, soulful style to
's classic "Ruby, My Dear." More than just making a covers album or homage,
never fails to seize the opportunity to truly explore the complexities and nuances of
's music, endeavoring to find his own voice in the compositions. ~ Matt Collar