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Regarded as one of the greatest jazz collaborations of all time, this new edition of “Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane” is released as part of the newly relaunched Original Jazz Classics Series.

The LP is cut from the original master tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at RTI. In addition to Monk and Coltrane the album also features the talents of Art Blakey (drums), Wilbur Ware (bass), Gigi Gryce (alto sax) and more. The set is presented in a Tip-On jacket with obi. — (via Label)

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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. Of the four quartet sessions, the fleet "Trinkle Tinkle" tests Coltrane's mettle, as he's perfectly matched alongside Monk, but conversely unforced during "Nutty" before taking off. — (via AllMusic)

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Seasoned jazz listeners will undoubtedly be familiar with Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane's historic encounter at New York's Five Spot Cafe in 1957 – part of a six-month residency of which only this surviving recording exists to mark the occasion.

Latecomers, however, will find Craft's carefully-curated 180-gram vinyl reissue (replete with Kevin Gray remastering and cover artwork that replicates the 1980s Original Jazz Classics reissue) an excellent introduction to this seminal recording, where both artists were eager to elevate their individual styles of playing.

For Coltrane, playing with Monk was a learning curve while for the pianist, being involved with the young, aspiring saxophone player gave him the artistic kudos he deserved and pulled him out of relative obscurity. With backing from bass player Wilbur Ware and drummer Shadow Wilson, the early version of the quartet remains a powerful beast, with Monk plucking notes from his keyboard as Coltrane storms behind him. The most notable example here being ‘Trinkle, Tinkle’, where Monk's seemingly simple refrain acts as the portal for Coltrane to let loose a sheets-of-sound-solo that the pianist responds to with an equally elaborate show of strength, precision and dexterity. — (via JazzWise)

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Label: Jazzland / Craft Recordings
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo, Mono, 180g
Reissued: 2023 / Originally Released: 1961
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bop, Post Bop

File under: Jazz - Thelonious Monk
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