The urban mythology surrounding this non-professional recording – suggesting that Naima Coltrane (aka Mrs. John Coltrane) was running tape during this particular set – is fortunately true. Fortunate, that is, for lovers of bop or anyone who ever wished in vain that they could be transported to a legendary night such as the one captured during this short disc. The raw nature of this audience tape more accurately reveals the reality of experiencing a performance during the Five Spot's halcyon days. What can also be found beyond the sporadic chatter and general hubbub of a New York City Harlem nightclub is arguably the strongest aural evidence of the unique working rapport these two jazz icons shared.
After having left the ensemble of Charles Mingus and upon working with John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy formed a short-lived but potent quintet with trumpeter Booker Little, who would pass away three months after this recording. Despite all of the obstacles and subsequent tragedy, this quintet became legendary over the years – justifiably so – and developed into a role model for all progressive jazz combos to come. The combined power of Dolphy and Little – exploring overt but in retrospect not excessive dissonance and atonality – made them a target for critics but admired among the burgeoning progressive post-bop scene.
The legendary Otis Spann gained renown as Muddy Waters’ pianist throughout the latter musician’s classic period of electric Chicago blues. Spann was also influential as a member of the Chess label’s house-band, which backed a roster of blues giants and big selling artists. However, Spann’s importance extended beyond his work as a sideman. He showed off his brilliance as a blues vocalist on a series of splendid recordings in a well-lived (though not extensive) solo career.
In 2010, The Super Premium Band was born from the mind of Yasohachi "88" Itoh, the Japanese producer who created numerous albums with the late Hank Jones and his Great Jazz Trio. Featuring Kenny Barron on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Lenny White on drums, the band released its first album, Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise to great critical acclaim and popularity. For the super-group's second album, the legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette replaces Lenny White, bringing a different set of rhythmic textures and sensibilities.
After having left the ensemble of Charles Mingus and upon working with John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy formed a short-lived but potent quintet with trumpeter Booker Little, who would pass away three months after this recording. Despite all of the obstacles and subsequent tragedy, this quintet became legendary over the years - justifiably so - and developed into a role model for all progressive jazz combos to come. The combined power of Dolphy and Little - exploring overt but in retrospect not excessive dissonance and atonality - made them a target for critics but admired among the burgeoning progressive post-bop scene. With the always stunning shadings of pianist Mal Waldron, the classical-cum-daring bass playing of Richard Davis, and the colorful drumming of alchemistic Ed Blackwell, there was no stopping this group…
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.