Although the contents of the original
Thelonious in Action vinyl comes from the August 7, 1958 show, the CD reissue, which was released three decades later, incorporates over 20 minutes of extras from a July 9 gig that had been previously rejected by the artist. While in exceptional form,
Monk is far from casting the only or even the brightest light during these unforgettable sides. Joining him on-stage at the legendary Five Spot club are:
Johnny Griffin (tenor sax),
Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass), and
Roy Haynes. It's unfortunate that this unit did not remain together for any length of time as they are able to launch
Monk's compositions into some fairly significant places.
Johnny Griffin's aggressive performance style incorporates a lyrical and melodic undertone perfectly complementing
Monk's sporadic inflections. "Coming On the Hudson" features
Griffin weaving his magic around the melody while providing a decisive
Coltrane-esque counterpoint to which
Monk precariously locates his responses. The intensity of "Rhythm-A-Ning" lifts the whole combo after quickly developing the chorus.
Griffin builds line upon melodic line, after which
Monk responds in kind by adding distinct punctuations of his own. So powerful is
Griffin's onslaught,
Monk can be heard indicating more than once that
Griffin should indulge in another verse. After a ragged but right beginning, "Evidence" becomes transcendental with
Griffin,
Monk,
Malik, and
Haynes -- who is frenetically brilliant throughout -- diving into solos which envelop the melody and ultimately expand the unique patterns and motivations. The CD reissue contains a supplementary (if not definitive) take of "In Walked Bud" from an earlier live recording session that is available in its entirety on the
Complete Riverside Recordings box set. ~ Lindsay Planer