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Review: Thelonious Monk's Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk is a pivotal live performance from 1960 with Monk's quartet alongside trumpeter Joe Gordon and tenor saxophonist Harold Land. The album opens with 'Let's Call This,' where Monk's piano work and Gordon's trumpet blend seamlessly, setting a lively tone. 'Four in One' features intricate improvisations, highlighting the group's cohesive interplay. 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You' slows the pace with a tender, emotive rendition, underscoring Monk's nuanced piano artistry. 'San Francisco Holiday' is a buoyant, rhythmic piece, while 'Round Midnight' delivers a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of Monk's classic composition. The album closes with 'Epistrophy,' an infectious and rhythmically complex piece that exemplifies the ensemble's dynamic energy and innovative spirit. Overall, Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk is a vibrant piece that shows Monk's genius and the extraordinary talents of his band. This well made reissue is another great record in Monk's illustrious catalog.

Review: Wedged between the high points of Brilliant Corners and Monk's Music, Thelonious Monk's fourth Riverside outing marks a quieter yet pivotal chapter in his discog. Recorded in 1957, a transformative year for Monk, it hears the pianist almost entirely alone at the keyboard, chancing a rare but studious view into his inner compositional world. This session packs a deeply felt solo reading of ''Round Midnight', one of his most enduring pieces, not to mention the cloistered but still group-recorded cut 'Monk's Mood'; the latter track holds special historic significance, as it marks the first recorded appearance of John Coltrane with Monk, alongside unbeaten bassist Wilbur Ware. Though less boisterous than its neighbouring releases, this session reveals Monk in the away-with midsts of a rare creative "zone": distilled, raw, and searching.

Review: The latest reissue of a landmark 1957 jazz masterpiece exemplifies the desire and commitment to high-quality vinyl. Pressed using a one-step lacquer process and sourced from original analog tapes, this version stands out for its exceptional clarity, depth and musical detail. Pressed on yellow vinyl, showcases every nuance, from Monk's dissonant piano stylings to the delicate celesta on a standout track. Even on a mid-range setup, the sonic precision is strikingieach note is crystalline, with minimal surface noise. The packaging is top-notch, featuring a cloth-covered slip and a thoughtful booklet with insightful liner notes by Ashley Kahn, enriching the listener's understanding of the recording's complex history. While not inexpensive, the sound quality justifies the price, offering a fresh, dynamic listening experience that captures the essence of the era. For those deeply invested in the evolution of jazz, this reissue serves as both a historical document and an audiophile's delight, offering something new to both seasoned collectors and newer fans of the genre. It's a brilliant presentation of timeless music, executed with meticulous care and precision.

Review: Thelonious Monk's Live in Paris (1966), a previously unreleased recording, captures the jazz icon in his element. Released by Transversales Disques, this lost ORTF session finally sees the light of day, offering a rare glimpse into a performance at Studio 104, Maison de la Radio. Featuring Monk's legendary quartetiCharlie Rouse on tenor sax, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drumsithis recording is a treasure for jazz fans and historians alike. Monk's unique approach to piano shines through, as the quartet navigates his complex compositions with finesse. Rouse's tenor saxophone dances alongside Monk's dissonant harmonies, while Gales and Riley provide the rhythmic backbone that keeps everything grounded. This first-ever official release is a historical gem that transports listeners to a defining moment in Monk's career.

Review: Reissued on vinyl, Thelonious Monk's Monk's Music has the maestro at his peak in 1957, backed by an all-star lineup including John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins and Art Blakey. This session epitomizes Monk's genius, with compositions like 'In Walked Bud,' 'Blue Monk,' and 'Round Midnight' asserting themselves as timeless jazz standards. Despite Monk's modest soloing, his leadership allows Coltrane and Hawkins to shine, backed by Gigi Gryce's alto sax, Ray Copeland's trumpet and Wilbur Ware's bass. Art Blakey's percussion adds dynamic rhythm throughout. The album, a meeting of jazz generations, marks Monk's breakthrough, earning him rightful acclaim alongside Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. The session's historical significance is enhanced by its dual release context with 'Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane,' capturing the breadth of Monk's artistry from the same 1957 sessions. For jazz aficionados and newcomers alike, this reissue not only delights with its musical brilliance but also serves as a gateway to exploring Monk's pivotal role in jazz history and the innovative spirit that defines his legacy.

Review: The Original Jazz Classics series continues to uphold its legacy with the reissue of Clark Terry's seminal album, In Orbit. Originally recorded in New York in 1958 and featuring the legendary Thelonious Monk in his sole Riverside outing as a sideman, this album is a cornerstone of Terry's discography. Accompanied by Sam Jones on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums, In Orbit features Terry's inept talents as a trumpeter and leader. This reissue, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI, benefits from AAA lacquers meticulously cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio. The packaging also features a high-quality Tip-On Jacket, reflecting the series' commitment to preserving the integrity of the original release, from cover art to liner notes. Since its inception in 1982, the Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series has been the benchmark for collectible jazz reissues. In Orbit is a prime album to reissue, offering a pristine listening experience that honors the timeless artistry of Clark Terry and his collaborators.