“Nellimonk,” a reissue from the 1986 album V.O.C. by Conveniens, is deeply captivating and experimental track that showcases the essence of freeform jazz and improvisational collaboration. The song, titled in dedication to Thelonious Monk’s wife Nellie, blends a minimalist approach with complex interaction between the piano and drums. Through this recording, drummer John Maz and pianist David Sterling Smith demonstrate a rare musical telepathy, creating an intuitive and dynamic performance that leaves a lasting impression.

“Nellimonk” is a study in restraint, space, and the power of improvisation. At its core, the track is driven by a seamless exchange between John Maz’s dynamic drumming and David Sterling Smith’s piano. The song exists in a constantly evolving soundscape where both musicians rely on subtlety and nuance rather than bombast or showy flourishes. Maz’s drums are alive with organic shifts in rhythm and texture, adding layers of complexity and surprise to the track. These are not your typical drumming patterns but rather a collection of abstract changes, highlighting a form of drumming that feels less like a set pattern and more like a natural, evolving dialogue.

Smith’s piano complements this fluidity perfectly. His immediate reactions to the drum changes create a sense of cohesion and unity, even in a constantly shifting and unpredictable framework. The interactions are so intuitive that they feel telepathic—a true hallmark of free jazz improvisation. Instead of overpowering each other, the piano and drums trade roles, creating moments where both are equal in their importance, each responding to and building off of the other.

While “Nellimonk” is an instrumental track, the emotional and thematic layers come through in the dynamic interplay of the musicians. The dedication to Nellie Monk provides a sense of reverence and intimacy, infusing the performance with a personal quality that transcends the lack of lyrics. The song’s abstract nature suggests an exploration of complex emotions—perhaps a representation of the intertwined lives of Thelonious Monk and his wife, underscoring the ebb and flow of their shared experiences.

The track’s minimalism evokes a quiet tension between the moments of dissonance and harmony. It explores the idea that beauty can be found in both stillness and motion, in silence as much as in sound. In this freeform jazz piece, there’s an underlying sense of storytelling that is not dictated by structured melodies but by the raw emotional connection between the musicians and the space they create together.

The brilliance of “Nellimonk” lies in its improvisational nature. Both Maz and Smith exhibit a profound level of trust in one another, which allows them to take risks while maintaining a seamless connection. Maz’s drumming is unpredictable yet perfectly timed, introducing unconventional rhythms and techniques that are met with an immediate response from Smith’s piano. The balance between improvisation and control in this track is impressive, as neither musician dominates the performance but instead exists within the same sonic space.

The improvisational synergy is one of the defining features of the track. Maz stated that no matter how abstract his drumming became, Smith was able to adapt and respond, creating a spontaneous yet harmonious exchange. This “reading each other’s mind” dynamic is what gives “Nellimonk” its magnetic pull and keeps the listener engaged throughout the track’s duration.

Recorded in 1986 and reissued in 2024, “Nellimonk” maintains a timeless quality thanks to its raw and organic production. The minimalistic format—drums and piano—keeps the focus on the interaction between the two instruments, free from unnecessary embellishments. The sound is clean yet alive, capturing the subtle shifts and delicate nuances that define a free jazz performance. The sparse arrangements creates a spaciousness that allows both instruments to breathe, highlighting every small infection in the playing.

This track serves as an excellent example of how less can be more. By keeping the instrumentation minimal yet deeply expressive, Conveniens creates an open musical environment where the improvisation feels both intimate and expansive.

“Nellimonk” is a mesmerizing exploration of improvisational jazz, anchored by an intuitive exchange between John Maz and David Sterling Smith. Its dedication to Nellie Monk adds a layer of poignancy and reverence, while the minimalist arrangement and freeform structure make it a compelling listen for fans of abstract jazz. The song exemplifies how the art of improvisation can lead to moments of magic where two musicians connect on a deep, unspoken level.

The track is a shining example of the power of spontaneous musical creation, and its reissue in 2024 offers a new generation of listeners the chance to experience the unique chemistry between Maz and Smith. For those who appreciate the freedom and creativity of jazz, “Nellimonk” is a must-listen, capturing a moment of pure musical collaboration.