THELONIOUS MONK BIG BAND

THELONIOUS MONK BIG BAND

Epistrophy

I think this is pretty much the same band that went to Europe about which reams  of words have been written.

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.Butch Warren

-AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow-

Bass

Gene Allen

Clarinet, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone)

Phil Woods

Clarinet, Sax (Alto)

Thelonious Monk

Composer, Piano, Primary Artist

Thad Jones

Cornet

Frankie Dunlop

Drums

Steve Lacy

Sax (Soprano)

Charlie Rouse

Sax (Tenor)

Eddie Bert

Trombone

Nick Travis

Trumpet