Recorded a year before pianist/composer
Thelonious Monk's death, this tribute by
Bennie Wallace features the dynamic tenor in trios with bassist
Eddie Gomez and drummer
Dannie Richmond plus three quartets with the addition of trombonist
Jimmy Knepper.
Wallace's eccentric interval jumps and very expressive sound (along with his advanced harmonic knowledge) made him a natural to explore
Monk's music and he pours plenty of passion into these improvisations. In addition to seven of
Monk's compositions,
Wallace contributes his own "Prelude"; the CD reissue adds a second version of "'Round Midnight" to the original program. This colorful and chancetaking session can act as an introduction to both
Bennie Wallace and
Monk's music. ~ Scott Yanow