Watch Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is a 1988 documentary film directed by Charlotte Zwerin. The film explores the life and career of Thelonious Monk, one of jazz music's most influential and enigmatic figures. The documentary features interviews with Monk's family, friends, and fellow musicians, as well as rare performance footage.

The film begins with a glimpse into Monk's early life and upbringing in New York City's San Juan Hill neighborhood. We hear from Monk's son and namesake, Thelonious Monk Jr., who describes his father's early passion for music, especially the piano. The film then delves into Monk's early professional career, including his time playing with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker.

Throughout the documentary, we learn about Monk's unique approach to music, both as a performer and as a composer. We hear from fellow musicians about the intricacies of his playing, his use of space and timing, and his groundbreaking compositions. We also see footage of Monk performing some of his most iconic works, such as "Blue Monk" and "Round Midnight."

The film doesn't shy away from the more challenging aspects of Monk's life and personality either. We hear from his son about his struggles with mental illness, which often led to erratic behavior and difficulty working with others. We also see footage of Monk interacting with interviewers and other musicians in a sometimes awkward, even combative manner.

One of the most notable things about the documentary is the extensive use of performance footage. We see Monk playing in various settings, from small clubs to large concert halls, and with a variety of different lineups. Of particular note is his collaboration with the great saxophonist John Coltrane, which produced some of the most innovative and exciting jazz of the time.

The film also includes insightful interviews with some of the jazz world's most respected figures, including saxophonist Sonny Rollins, drummer Art Blakey, and producer Orrin Keepnews. These interviews give us a sense of the impact that Monk had on the larger jazz community and the lasting legacy of his music.

Overall, Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is a fascinating and engaging portrait of one of jazz music's most unique and influential figures. Through a mix of interviews and performance footage, we get a sense of what made Monk's music so special, as well as the challenges he faced in his personal life. Fans of jazz music and Monk himself will find much to appreciate in this documentary.

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser is a 1988 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.