# Monk in Berlin, 1969: Video

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2017/12/31/monk-in-berlin-1969-video/
- Published: 2017-12-31T17:03:10+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Forty-eight years ago this month, pianist Thelonious Monk appeared in Berlin at
the Berliner Jazztage festival. Translated, the event’s name meant Berlin Jazz Days,
which today is known as JazzFest Berlin. **

On solo piano, during the first week of November 1969, Monk played four Duke Ellington
songs—_Satin Doll, Sophisticated Lady, Caravan_ and _Solitude_ followed by his _Crepuscule
With Nellie. _Then on _Blues for Duke,_ Monk was joined by Joe Turner on piano, 
Hans Rettenbacher on bass and Stu Martin on drums. Interestingly, Turner recorded
for MPS soon after this concert.

Fortunately, the concert was taped by German television. Camera close-ups give you
an intimate look at Monk and his unusual keyboard fingering and attack. If you’re
unfamiliar with Monk or not a fan, you will be after you watch him on this video.
Monk was a fascinating figure who created art on his own terms. Seeing Monk in action
is often the best way to be introduced to him and to appreciate his art.

![](https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/X757s-V2jjdtMU2Rfl7n72DQvDLzmBFDthmzp1_eZ3ZeF0ziyrgwsi_ApuNXJq42_bGlJeYNNCdzcpgHc77eucbBVqZGH71R7xc
=s0-d-e1-ft#https://img.youtube.com/vi/aM-NmPlCGng/hqdefault.jpg)

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