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Monk Inc

Propensity

Comuse CMSECD2

Trumpeter Ben Higham and saxophonist Simon Youngman have frequently collaborated in interpretations of the music of jazz's more individual composers – Mingus, Herbie Nicholls and Monk chief among them – and on this ten-track album they are joined by bass trumpeter/tuba player Mark Read, bassist Ivars Galanieks and drummer Geoff Charlton to perform nine pieces by Monk and an original, 'Man in Astrakhan', by Higham.

The band's approach, given that Monk's own instrument is missing from the mix, places the pieces' melodies and harmonies firmly centre-stage, the latter often attractively astringent (though 'Nutty' is downright sour), the former accentuated by unfussy, spare arrangements and concise soloing.

The rhythm-section work, from the opening 'Brake's Sake' to the closer, 'Bye Ya', infuses the whole with a pleasantly galumphing power (sleevenote writer George McKay, indeed, comments that the album 'pleasingly, seems to swing less as it progresses.

And it gets heavier as you listen through it too'), except during the almost military snap imparted to 'Jackie-ing', and Galanieks booms and propels impressively throughout. Overall, an intriguingly original take on the Monk canon.