Monk From His Best Period
5
By Rick Drais
Although my personal favorites from this period are "It's Monk's Time" and "Monk" (and to a lesser extent "Criss-Cross") I have to admit that this record is Monk's greatest
single album. But then, any Monk album from his days at Columbia Records is worthwhile. Still gives me chills. We're coming up on the 50th anniversary of this album, so
isn't it about time CBS/Sony got around to releasing it in one of its trademark "Legacy Edition" packages? I for one would love to have an expanded version of this album
with alternate takes, maybe a few live versions and the usual Columbia superb sound quality.
I wish all my dreams were this good.......
5
By MarLeCar84
Complex, progressive, and extensivly eloquent!! One of Monk's most genius (literally) recordings; then again what has he done that isn't genius? A definite highlight in the infinite realms of the Thelonious, not to mention the beautiful art of Jazz music. Five stars is an inadequate response to the supurb quality manifested here. A compliment to any music collection.
The Genius of Monk
5
By G Squared 1
This recording (exempting best of compilations) is Monk at his best. For anyone that is unfamiliar with Monk this album takes you to the moon...Fantastic....
My Favorite Jazz Record
5
By thesoundofthings
I originally lucked into this recording of Monk's comback, and first venture (to my limited knowledge) on Columbia records from 1962 on vinyl with only eight original tracks. It had such a beautiful cover, I had to buy it. At first, I found it a little odd that the album tended to focus more on the sax which takes center stage (literally) for your ears on most tracks while Monk, who is the pianist, tended to sit off in your right ear for some reason. The recordings, however, are pristine, and I realized the subdued nature of Monk's plunking away off center only heightens the tangible sense of excitement when the sax starts pouring out it's reedy textures. I love it, and I'm not even an avid jazz listener. One good sit-through and you'll have no doubt this record is a showcase of 60's Jazz talent from the man who wrote it, to the musicians who played along, to the engineers who put it all together.
