Upon hearing the first few notes you just know this album is going to be special and not just another hard bop blowing session. Of course Monk was a special musician and he created special music. He’s one that I haven’t explored fully yet. I know I dig him a lot based on the albums I’ve heard. It will be a pleasure to explore his output more in depth. This Riverside album is one of the very best that the label released in my opinion. I think it’s highly enjoyable. One of my favorite albums in jazz to date actually. The compositions are just so interesting, artistic and thoughtful.
The line-up is stellar, with Monk joined by Rollins on tenor, one of my favorite alto players Ernie Henry (who released some real gems on the Riverside label as a leader), Oscar Pettiford on double bass and the always superb Max Roach on drums. On “Bemsha Swing” Clark Terry replaces Henry and Paul Chambers replaces Pettiford.
Favorite tune has got to be the title track. It’s phenomenal. Monk’s sidemen apparently struggled to record it, as it’s quite complex in nature. 25 takes was attempted and the tension between Monk and Henry almost made Henry break down mentally. Producer Orrin Keepnews pieced together the tune for the album from multiple takes as not one completed single take was available. That’s what I’ve read. Very interesting to me, as a musician, I know there’s some pressure in recording a complex tune in one single take. I think it sounds great on the album and it’s not obvious it’s based on multiple takes.
All the other tunes are pretty awesome as well. Aside from the title track I especially like “Pannonica”, on which Monk plays the celeste, and of course “Bemsha Swing” which has a cool feature in Max Roach playing the tympany, which adds a nice flavor to the tune.
This 1st pressing is rare. When searching for a first issue, keep a look out for the correct address on the back cover which should read; 418 West 49th Street. Very happy to have this in my collection, it’s such a classic.
A few questions: your thoughts on this album? Favorite Monk releases? (here I’m looking forward to some great tips from you guys).
Summer is here in Stockholm and vacation time is just around the corner. I’m going on a road trip with the family to the south of Sweden in just over a week. Looking forward to that. I’m working on some deals for some new additions as well. I could be welcoming some superb albums to the shelves before long. I’ll keep you posted.
Have a great day, stay safe and enjoy your collections. Cheers!