Monk (1968)

Plot

Part one of a captivating two-part exploration of legendary jazz composer Thelonious Monk. Set in 1968, the film captures intimate moments with Monk and his bandmates, including Charlie Rouse, Larry Gales, and Ben Riley, as they perform in iconic venues. Viewers are taken to the Village Vanguard in New York, where the quartet records for Columbia Records, and then to Atlanta for a vibrant Jazz Festival organized by George Wein. The documentary beautifully showcases Monk's genius and the dynamic energy of his music during this pivotal era.