Thelonious Monk - Thelonious Monk With John Coltrane (Limited Edition, Bonus Tracks) (LP)

Limited Direct Metal Mastered 180gm vinyl LP pressing of this Jazz album including one bonus track. Universally regarded as one of the greatest collaborations between the two most influential musicians in modern jazz (Miles Davis notwithstanding), the Jazzland sessions from Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane should be recognized on other levels. While the mastery of the principals is beyond reproach, credit should also be given to peerless bassist Wilbur Ware, as mighty an anchor as anyone could want. These 1957 dates also sport a variety in drummer-less trio, quartet, septet, or solo piano settings, all emphasizing the compelling and quirky compositions of Monk. A shouted-out, pronounced "Off Minor" and robust, three-minute "Epistrophy" with legendary saxophonists Coleman Hawkins, Gigi Gryce, and the brilliant, under-appreciated trumpeter Ray Copeland are hallmark tracks that every jazz fan should revere. Of the four quartet sessions, the fleet "Trinkle Tinkle" tests Coltrane's mettle, as he's perfectly matched alongside Monk, but conversely unforced during "Nutty" before taking off. Monk's solo piano effort, "Functional," is flavored with blues, stride, and boogie-woogie, while a bonus track, "Monk's Mood," has a Monk-Ware-Coltrane tandem (minus drummer Shadow Wilson) back for an eight-minute excursion primarily with Monk in a long intro, 'Trane in late, and Ware's bass accents booming through the studio. This will always be an essential item standing proudly among unearthed live sessions from Monk and Coltrane, demarcating a pivotal point during the most significant year in all types of music, from a technical and creative standpoint, but especially the jazz of the immediate future. ~ Michael G. Nastos Personnel: Thelonious Monk (piano); John Coltrane (tenor saxophone); Gigi Gryce (alto saxophone); Coleman Hawkins (tenor saxophone); Ray Copeland (trumpet); Wilbur Ware (bass); Shadow Wilson, Art Blakey (drums). Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios, New York, New York in 1957 and 1958. Originally released on Jazzland (46). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler. Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1987, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California). Format: Vinyl Genre: Jazz Remember, for our lowest prices, always order directly from our official JocoRecords website! TRACKS A1 Ruby My Dear 6:19A2 Trinkle Tinkle 6:39A3 Off Minor 5:09A4 Off Minor (Alternate Take) 5:15B1 Nutty 6:39B2 Epistrophy 10:45B3 Functional 9:21