Gary Versace
Organ Solo on
Ask Me Now

About

Gary Versace follows Jonathan Kreisberg with one chorus of organ on "Ask Me Now" at approximately 108 BPM, bringing a different timbral perspective to Monk's 32-bar AABA form in D-flat. His sustained chords and single-note lines find new colors within the familiar structure, the organ's tonal character lending a warmth and depth to Monk's idiosyncratic harmonies that differs from the piano interpretations more commonly heard. As the second soloist, Versace's chorus complements Kreisberg's preceding guitar statement, the two instruments together offering a fresh take on one of Monk's most beautiful ballad compositions.

Gary Versace was 35 to 36 years old at the time.