The Thelonious Monk Quartet: Monk In Copenhagen
These recordings capture Thelonious Monk in prime time when his career was at an all time high. The sixties saw him reap the rewards that come with wide public acclaim and peer respect and a style that once was deemed inaccessible, even by some musicians, had become music to the ears of a growing audience whose taste was not necessarily restricted to jazz. An extraordinary vitality remained in his playing, and he continued to give remarkable performances, and to inspire young musicians. Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, who is heard here, shared Monk's penchant for delivering surprises, and stayed with the pianist for a good decade, lending robust authority to melodic lines that sometimes seemed to be detouring, but in the end always found their way home. Drummer Frankie Dunlop came to Monk well prepared for musical twists and turns, having spent time with Charles Mingus, and John Ore's rhythmic, strikingly traditional bass keeps the quartet on the track.Jackie-ing/Crepuscule With Nellie/I Mean You/Rhythm-a-ning/Epistrophy/Body And Soul/Well You Needn't/'Round Midnight/Off Minor/Blue Monk. TT: 71:20. All titles previously unissued!
