It’s looking like a 13 January release in the UK (it's already out in the States as previously reported) for Thelonious Monk’s Paris 1969, what the label is calling “a fascinating and important late-career document.” The concert has been available via the Jazz VIP DVD imprint in Europe for the last four years. Captured in performance at the Salle Pleyel concert hall in Paris on 15 December 1969 it’s a black and white film with ex-Miles man Philly Joe Jones joining Monk on ‘Nutty’ and there’s interview footage too with Monk talking after the gig. Blue Note is putting Paris 1969 out on CD/DVD and vinyl and it’s available in download formats too. Monk’s band on the tunes other than when Philly Joe joins are little-known teenage bassist Nate “Lloyd” Hygelund and drummer Austin “Paris” Wright with Monk’s stalwart saxman Charlie Rouse playing too. The band had played London before hitting Paris and performed on 3 November for BBC TV programme Jazz Scene At Ronnie Scott’s.
• In other Blue Note-related news the label is planning club nights at the Pizza Express Jazz Club; and José James band trumpeter Takuya Kuroda is to make his debut in February.