Greg Lewis – Organ Monk – Uwo in the Black

by | Aug 19, 2012 | Jazz CD Reviews

Greg Lewis – Organ Monk – Uwo in the Black – self-produced, 69:29 ***½:
(Greg Lewis, Hammond B-3 organ; Reginald R. Woods, tenor sax; Ronald Jackson, guitar; Nasheet Waits, drums and cymbals)
As the second volume in Greg Lewis’ Thelonious Monk trilogy, Uwo in the Black continues Greg’s odyssey, in interpreting Monk’s compositions through using the Hammond organ along with saxophone, guitar, and drums. It’s a daunting task, but the Hammond’s abilities to mix dissonance and lyricism finds it an interesting instrumental choice to tackle Monk’s unique musical vision. Lewis has a background as a pianist having studied with Jackie Byard, and grew up in Queens, New York, so he certainly was exposed to both church organists and Hammond stalwarts like Jimmy Smith.
Listening to Uwo in the Black, the dynamic drumming of Nasheet Waits is prominent as he propels Lewis’ Monk interpretations to another level with his energetic drum work. Reginald Woods on tenor and Ronald Jackson on guitar take more of a back seat role behind the organ and drums, but each is effective in contributing to Lewis’ vision of the project.
“Little Rootie Tootie” opens the CD, and it is immediately apparent that there is a mix between dissonance and the funk that the Hammond supplies. Woods’ funky with an edge sax playing, and Ronald Jackson’s guitar enter for brief contributions before the organ and drums regain their prominence in stating the theme and improvising.
Lewis provides three tracks outside of the eleven Monk compositions. “In the Black – My Nephew” is taken at a mournful dirge initially before increasing in emotional intensity. Reginald brings to mind Charlie Rouse, who had a long tenure with Thelonious. By mid tune, Waits is wailing on the cymbals before the initial theme is re-stated.
“Skippy” rides a circular route with Lewis spurred on by Nasheet. “Ugly Beauty” has Woods blowing some beautiful blues lines while Lewis alternates between more standard Hammond-like fare and church like lines mixing with avant voicings. It’s an interesting ride.  On his own compositions, “Zion’s Walk” and “GCP”, Lewis steps away from Monk territory. The former takes a wilder journey, while the latter is a welcome mainstream affair with Ronald Jackson getting a strong feature.
“Stuffy Turkey” is a sweet funky tune with Woods getting a chance to wail in a soul jazz vein. “Bright Mississippi” adds to this mood, and Woods really digs in on his solo. “Thelonious” is immediately recognizable and I liked Lewis’ arrangement. “Crepuscule With Nellie,” written by Monk for his wife, finds Waits taking over and was a bit too chaotic for my taste. “Teo” written for producer Teo Macero has an innate swing that is infectious. “52nd Street Theme” opens with a Waits solo followed by a welcome solo by Jackson.
Traditional fans of Monk interpretations will be intrigued by Uwo in the Black, while Hammond aficionados will be searching out Volume 1, Organ Monk, released in 2010.
TrackList: Little Rootie Tootie, In the Black-My Nephew, Humph, Skippy, Ugly Beauty, Zion’s Walk, GCP, Stuffy Turkey, Bright Mississippi, Thelonious, Why Not, Crepuscule With Nellie, Teo, 52nd Street Theme
—Jeff Krow

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