Live The Thelonious Monk Quartet

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 drummerless 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, underappreciated trumpeter Ray Copeland are hallmark tracks that every jazz fan should revere…

When he set foot on the stage of Club Doelen on Oct. 28, 1967 in Rotterdam, Thelonious Monk had just turned 50. 15 years later, he disappeared from the music scene and spent his 6 final years in New York, at Pannonica de Koenigswater's, and never touched a piano again. This concert is a testament to his genius. Opening and ending with two "classic pieces", "Ruby, My Dear" and "Blue Monk", he led for over 80 minutes the quartet and his accomplices, Charlie Rouse, Larry Gales, Ben Riley, and guests.
Larry Gales's bass seems to pop out like a jack-in-the-box at the end of "Hackensack", the brass instruments get carried away towards the middle of "We See", and billow out and away in the breathtaking "Oska T."…

In 1961, Thelonious Monk and his quartet toured Europe, producing a series of live albums for various labels. The First European Concert, as well as recordings of Monk in Paris, Italy, Bern, Copenhagen, and Stockholm all date from that year. The performances drew almost exclusively from a body of the pianist's best-loved original material, and Monk in France is no exception. While his playing here is less energized than it can be, Monk's singular philosophy is well intact. The pianist's lines are sparse and fluid. Characteristically, he maps out only the necessary notes in his off-kilter melodies, building solos from perfectly balanced melodic/rhythmic motifs. The European touring lineup is completed by drummer Frankie Dunlop, bassist John Ore, and tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse…

Thelonious Monk featuring Johnny Griffin - Complete Live At The Five Spot 1958 (2009) {2CD Set, Lone Hill Jazz LHJ10360}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 828 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 345 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 49 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1958, 2009 Lone Hill Jazz | LHJ10360
Jazz / Bop / Post Bop / Piano

Just after John Coltrane left him and before the arrival of Charlie Rouse, Thelonious Monk formed a quartet with Johnny Griffin, which played at the Five Spot in New York in August & July, 1958. Half of this music was issued on two original Riverside albums: “In Action” and “Misterioso”. This edition contains all known music from these famous gigs plus as a bonus, a rare sextet selection by Monk including Griffin, Donald Byrd and Pepper Adams.

Thelonious Monk - Live In Switzerland 1966 (1991) {2CD Set, Jazz Helvet JH06}
XLD rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 575 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 235 Mb | Artwork | 5% repair rar
© 1966, 1991 Esoldun / Jazz Helvet | JH 06
Jazz / Bop / Post Bop / Piano

As all Thelonious Monk afficionados are aware, this incredibly inventive man improvises on his own standards in a new fashion every time he plays them. Thus the interest in listening to his live concerts as well as the studio albums. Indeed, one sometimes has the feeling of hearing Monk for the first time! Sparkling invention with an ever playful Charlie Rouse, Monk's less known shadow. And a fast and lively 11 minute version of "Blue Monk". Recommended to all of Thelonious Monk's fans!