A blend of the blues and too many more genres to list, Randy Weinstein presents a well-listened ear alongside an incredible amount of passion on “HarmoniMonk.” The devotion to the instrument is impressive, as he plays in such a heartfelt fashion. Moving away from the expected, the songs range from dub-inspired to proper jazz to a mixture of a potpourri of styles. True to the album’s name, he devotes his unique practice to Thelonius Monk, a master of the outsider craft. The songs nicely blend, helping to tell an entire story. Beyond this, there’s a definite fondness for experimentation, with unusual time signatures and strange melodies. His take on Appalachian sound recalls the work of Henry Flynt, as it takes the ordinary and transforms it in unexpected ways.
“Bright Mississippi” starts the album with a jaunty disposition. The flawless interplay of the guitar and harmonica gives it a bluesy quality. Much more laid-back is the slow-moving jam of “Straight No Chaser,” where the groove is elaborated upon in subtle, lovely shifts. On a raw, intimate note is “In Walked Bud,” where the piece unspools graciously. A gorgeous funk burst out the seams with the lively “Bye Ya.” “Ruby My Dear” is fragile, with the barely there drums giving it a dreamy, surrealist demeanor. The fantastic dub-influenced jam of “Off Minor ” is definitely on the tropical kick.” Soothing “Green Chimneys” brings the album to a close with nimble upright bass, keeping the whole thing afloat alongside the impassioned spirit of Randy’s harmonica playing.
“HarmoniMonk” presents the sheer power of Randy Weinstein, as it shows yet another artist discovering new territory amid COVID, finding their voice amongst the silence.
