Thelonious Monk: A genius Monk or a crazy Konk...

Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz

Been reading up a little about Monk. Which makes me reflect a lot about the current state of consumer attitude. Yeah yeah, it's the same ol' story. But I'm still very keen on asking, 'Why?'

Monk's unique style attracted lot'sa attention and changed many perspective. The part I don't understand is that his 'unique' style is something not many understands. The sound of it is already weird with dissonant harmonies and out-of-the-world progressions. So it's not mainstream or easily digested. But still, he received a Grammy and Pulitzer. Sadly he was awarded posthumously. On top of it all, according to reports, he was eccentric and doesn't communicate very well with others. He was even diagnosed with mental illness.

Despite the setbacks, people still applaud his works of art, up till today. Looking back at today's context, how many people actually appreciates expression of originality? Coming up most probably qualify as a sweeping statement, but it's either you're in or you're out. The typical reaction from most is the usual patronising statement, 'Oh, that's a very interesting hobby. So what exactly do you do?' I truely believe that in this era, where information is so easily available on the net everywhere and anywhere, IGNORANCE is a crime.

If Martin Luther King wasn't arrested, he wouldn't make the change he did.

If Tanya Chua wasn't signed in Taiwan, she wouldn't be famous here.

If Monk wasn't crazy, he wouldn't make the change he did.

If Beethovan didn't have bipolar disorder, he wouldn't make the change he did.

If Newton wasn't suffering from mental illness, he wouldn't make the the change he did.

If Steph Sun wasn't promoting in Taiwan, she wouldn't be famous here.

Maybe it's good to go against your society's norm afterall. Not sure how true is this, maybe my good friend who helps counselling people from suicidal intentions can help me out.

PS: Anyone interested in remixing John Cage's 4' 33 with me? It's gonna be a great hit, if we market it in Taiwan or Hongkong 1st. :)