Style:

Usually approached as a ballad, it is also sometimes played at a medium swing.

Form:

A-A-B-A (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Key:

Db Major

Harmony/Overview:

The  harmony of this composition is functional although it has a brisk  harmonic rhythm that changes tonal centers frequently. The main theme in  the A sections features a very lyrical melody, however it stands in  stark contrast to the chromatic harmony that takes place underneath it.  The chord changes begin with a IImi7 - V7 of III and proceed to move II -  V's down in semi-tones before arriving at a II - V that at last  resolves to the tonic. The remainder of the composition is relatively  tame, revolving primarily around secondary Dominants and various II -  V's.

Recordings:

This  song has been recorded over 190 times to date. Monk first recorded it  on a session for Blue Note Records in 1951, and he also left behind a  legendary solo piano rendition on his 1965 album Solo Monk.  It is one of the many compositions by Thelonious Monk to find its place  into the standard repertoire and it continues to be performed  frequently to this day.

JGC Top Picks:

Jon Gordon, Ask Me Now, 1994

Joe Henderson, The State of the Tenor, 1985

Ravi Coltrane, Mad 6, 2002