Music in Monk Time is a 1983 American documentary film about improvisational jazz pianist Thelonious Monk and his music. Its full name is Music in Monk Time: A Retrospective Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk. Although the film did not receive widespread distribution, it was praised by many film and music critics. Production and content Planning for the film began within weeks of Monk's death in 1982. The production company, Songfilms, had a history producing successful music videos, and the firm was a partnership between Paul Matthews and Stephen Rice. The Los Angeles Herald Examiner reported that "Much hard work and detectivelike stealth went into the making of" the film. Many calls across the Atlantic resulted in the NRK, the Norwegian government broadcasting company, releasing black and white film of Monk performing there in 1965. The producers were also able to obtain film of a 1970 performance, also in black and white, of Monk playing solo in a TV studio in Paris. The Paris performance "shows us Monk's face dripping with sweat and his fingers percussively poking and stabbing the keys as he creates his unique world of sound." Jon Hendricks agreed to narrate the film in "a bubbly, streetwise manner" and also sang "In Walked Bud", repeating his contribution to Monk's Underground album. Monk had called Hendricks "the only one I want to lyricize my music," and Hendricks was the only vocalist ever to record with Monk. The producers were able to obtain many still photos of Monk, which were difficult to obtain since many photos had been lost in fires at Monk's apartments. These photos serve to "paint a picture of the man and his milieu", according to one critic. Musicians who respected Monk and worked with him performed for the film, including solos by Dizzy Gillespie and Milt Jackson, with Carmen McRae singing Hendricks' lyrics to Monk's classic "'Round Midnight". Notable showings Music in Monk Time had its world premiere at the Reseda Country Club in May, 1983. Chick Corea opened for the film, with a band that included Chuck Mangione and drummer John Dentz. The trio played Monk compositions for an hour, and then the film was shown. The film was also shown at the Video Gallery in San Francisco in March, 1985. The film's narrator, Jon Hendricks, appeared in person to discuss the film and Monk and his music. The film was a featured presentation at