Following the critical success of Really! (Jazzpoint, 1991) and Giraffes In a Hurry (B+W Music, 1995) this is the third offering from the 'acoustic but slightly amplified chamber-pot jazz' duo of Matthew Brubeck (cello) and David Widelock (guitar). Since 1988 this pair has been mining the 'less is more' format of the duo. Both are capable of playing themes, soloing, and providing accompaniment. This versatility provides a large array of sounds that the pair can draw on. With Monk/Not Monk they have reached a new level of interplay and conversation in their improvisations, whether the feel is swing, Latin, straight eighths, ballad, or funk. Concentrating more on jazz standards than their previous CDs, the album includes versions of 'In Walked Bud', 'Crepescule with Nellie', and 'Bye-A' all by Thelonious Monk. They also play tunes by Charles Mingus, W.C. Handy, Miles Davis, and Chick Corea.. True to form, the duo also includes several originals by David and several tunes outside the jazz pantheon, Lennon and McCartney's 'Fixing a Hole' and Stephen Foster's 'Hard Times'. 'Brubeck and Widelock work well beyond categories...to produce music of originality and great beauty.' Sammy Cohen Metro Magazine 'David Widelock is a giant of the 12-string guitar.' Luis Bonfa "An unprecedented disc...this disc should top Billboard". -Nancy Wade,H+B Music Catalogue (reviewing "Giraffes In a Hurry")