Bobby Broom Plays for Monk

If you're like me, you can never get enough Monk, whether it's the iconic pianist-composer himself, or, as in this case, an affectionate tribute by another player. Bobby Broom's recent album for Origin Records is a showcase of Monk's greatest hits, played with style and a bit of Monk-ian wit here and there by the talented Broom and his trio. Bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins keep it subtle and swinging in support of Broom's energy bursts. All tunes except "Lulu's Back in Town" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" are Monk originals. Broom doesn't attempt to re-invent any of the Monk melodies, and perhaps that indeed is part of the charm of this recording. The two ballads are "Ruby, My Dear" and "Reflections," two diamonds in the Monk book. Interesting to note the exclusion of "?Round Midnight." Could it have reached the saturation point? Anyway, hats off to Bobby Broom and his trio for this delightful trip down Monk Boulevard.