This is one of pianist-composer
Thelonious Monk's greatest recordings and represents a high point in his career. Performing at Philharmonic Hall in New York,
Monk is heard taking an unaccompanied solo on "Darkness on the Delta" and jamming with his quartet (which had
Charlie Rouse on tenor, bassist
Butch Warren, and drummer
Frank Dunlop) on fine versions of "Played Twice" and a previously unreleased rendition of "Misterioso." However, this two-CD set has its most memorable moments during the six full-length performances by a ten-piece group.
Monk's quartet was joined by cornetist
Thad Jones, trumpeter
Nick Travis,
Steve Lacy on soprano, altoist
Phil Woods, baritonist
Gene Allen, and trombonist
Eddie Bert.
Jones and
Woods have plenty of solos and, although
Lacy surprisingly does not have any individual spots, his soprano is a major part of some of the ensembles. Most remarkable is "Four in One," which after one of
Monk's happiest (and very rhythmic) solos features the orchestra playing a
Hal Overton transcription of a complex and rather exuberant
Monk solo taken from his original record. This two-CD set is a gem and can be considered essential for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow