Review: The mighty Thelonious Monk - already rightly hailed as a Genius of Modern Music as far back as 1951. It might be easy to take for granted his groundbreaking playing in light of the whole jazz culture that has come along since, but he was truly out in front, creating a sound never heard before. As Blue Note celebrates its 75th anniversary, they're revisiting this landmark collection of Monk's earliest works as a bandleader for Blue Note, remastered from hi-res transfers of the original master tapes. This is the best you'll ever have heard these recordings, make no mistake.
Review: Thelonious Monk's Live in Paris (1966), a previously unreleased recording, captures the jazz icon in his element. Released by Transversales Disques, this lost ORTF session finally sees the light of day, offering a rare glimpse into a performance at Studio 104, Maison de la Radio. Featuring Monk's legendary quartetiCharlie Rouse on tenor sax, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drumsithis recording is a treasure for jazz fans and historians alike. Monk's unique approach to piano shines through, as the quartet navigates his complex compositions with finesse. Rouse's tenor saxophone dances alongside Monk's dissonant harmonies, while Gales and Riley provide the rhythmic backbone that keeps everything grounded. This first-ever official release is a historical gem that transports listeners to a defining moment in Monk's career.
Review: The latest reissue of a landmark 1957 jazz masterpiece exemplifies the desire and commitment to high-quality vinyl. Pressed using a one-step lacquer process and sourced from original analog tapes, this version stands out for its exceptional clarity, depth and musical detail. Pressed on yellow vinyl, showcases every nuance, from Monk's dissonant piano stylings to the delicate celesta on a standout track. Even on a mid-range setup, the sonic precision is strikingieach note is crystalline, with minimal surface noise. The packaging is top-notch, featuring a cloth-covered slip and a thoughtful booklet with insightful liner notes by Ashley Kahn, enriching the listener's understanding of the recording's complex history. While not inexpensive, the sound quality justifies the price, offering a fresh, dynamic listening experience that captures the essence of the era. For those deeply invested in the evolution of jazz, this reissue serves as both a historical document and an audiophile's delight, offering something new to both seasoned collectors and newer fans of the genre. It's a brilliant presentation of timeless music, executed with meticulous care and precision.
Review: It's exceedingly rare to stumble across any unreleased recordings by jazz greats such as Thelonious Monk, let alone find them in the trash. Yet, somewhat remarkably, that's the story behind "Monk", a 1963 recording of the pianist in full flow - accompanied by his "all-star" line-up of Charlie Rouse (saxophone), John Ore (double bass) and Frankie Dunlop (drums) - that mysteriously resurfaced in a Scandinavian skip last year. This album presents a fully remastered version of that rare recording - captured on tape at a live show in Copenhagen - for the very first time. It's a wonderful listen, with Monk and company darting between original compositions and altered jazz standards in typical be-bop style.
Review: Reissued on vinyl, Thelonious Monk's Monk's Music has the maestro at his peak in 1957, backed by an all-star lineup including John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins and Art Blakey. This session epitomizes Monk's genius, with compositions like 'In Walked Bud,' 'Blue Monk,' and 'Round Midnight' asserting themselves as timeless jazz standards. Despite Monk's modest soloing, his leadership allows Coltrane and Hawkins to shine, backed by Gigi Gryce's alto sax, Ray Copeland's trumpet and Wilbur Ware's bass. Art Blakey's percussion adds dynamic rhythm throughout. The album, a meeting of jazz generations, marks Monk's breakthrough, earning him rightful acclaim alongside Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. The session's historical significance is enhanced by its dual release context with 'Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane,' capturing the breadth of Monk's artistry from the same 1957 sessions. For jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, this reissue not only delights with its musical brilliance but also serves as a gateway to exploring Monk's pivotal role in jazz history and the innovative spirit that defines his legacy.
Review: Thelonious Monk's Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk is a pivotal live performance from 1960 with Monk's quartet alongside trumpeter Joe Gordon and tenor saxophonist Harold Land. The album opens with 'Let's Call This,' where Monk's piano work and Gordon's trumpet blend seamlessly, setting a lively tone. 'Four in One' features intricate improvisations, highlighting the group's cohesive interplay. 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You' slows the pace with a tender, emotive rendition, underscoring Monk's nuanced piano artistry. 'San Francisco Holiday' is a buoyant, rhythmic piece, while 'Round Midnight' delivers a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Monk's classic composition. The album closes with 'Epistrophy,' an infectious and rhythmically complex piece that exemplifies the ensemble's dynamic energy and innovative spirit. Overall, Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk is a vibrant piece that shows Monk's genius and the extraordinary talents of his band. This well made reissue is another great record in Monk's illustrious catalog.
Review: Thelonious Monk's iconic performance at the Newport festival in 1963 showcased the brilliance of the 'High Priest of Bop' and his esteemed quartet. The lineup included the exceptional Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Frankie Dunlop on drums, marking a historic moment in jazz history. Monk's innovative compositions and the quartet's masterful execution captivated the audience, leaving an indelible mark on the festival's legacy. With Monk's pioneering spirit leading the way, the Newport performance remains a cherished milestone that highlights the genius of one of jazz's most legendary figures.
Review: As part of the newly relaunched Original Jazz Classics Series, Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio has remastered this seminal jazz record from Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane from the original tapes and in all analog fashion. It's a deserving treatment for what many believe to be one of the great ever collaborative jazz records. As well as those two legendary players and jazz innovators, further greats joined in the recording sessions including Art Blakey on the drums, Wilbur Ware on bass, and alto sax from Gigi Gryce. What a piece of history it is too.
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