Customer Reviews

Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins

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So this is another misleading package--par for the course for Monk. And to be fair, not so unusual for other jazz musicians. We have three tracks of the five (no bonus here, my friends) that actually have Monk and Sonny Rollins on the stand together. The two quartet tracks with Art Taylor on drums and Tommy Potter on bass are "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want to be Happy." They are worth the price of the album because both Monk and Rollins are in fine form and they work and play well together. In fact, when I first heard this recording, I doubted that I was hearing Monk. I thought that I was hearing a lyrical pianist imitating Monk. Rollins seems to bring Monk out, and he plays longer lines, more lyrical lines without abandoning his characteristic left hand chords and the discords against them in the right hand triplets. (Notice that I said "discords." Monk doesn't play mischords.) So Monk is different and in some respects playing outside of his usual mode. (Dare I say "envelope"?) And Rollins has the great gifts that were eclipsed by the advent of John Coltrane. Rollins' solos on "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want To Be Happy" show that he is a great tenor saxophonist, and this album is testimony to his skill. The third Monk/Rollins collaboration is a 1953 gig that also featured Julius Watkins on French horn. The rendering of Monk's "Friday the 13th" is worth a listen because the horn is a jazz curiosity; its phrasing and intonation are a unique addition to the jazz palette. (An interesting experiment, at the very least.) The other two tracks on the album are Monk compositions "Work" and "Nutty" played with Percy Heath, and Art Blakey--this a fine trio and perhaps the most congenial for Monk's work. Blakey is superb--as always he is the metronome that lives--listen to the solo on "Work." Percy Heath is the solid bassist in these great trio tracks. And Monk--oh how he plays that piano!!

Don't let the fact that this compact disc is only 34 minutes long dissuade you from buying it. This is an addictive 34 minutes, a listening experience you will want to repeat again and again. Overall, it's as good as the more famous disc in this reissue series, "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane" and that is high praise, indeed. In fact, the two discs share one Monk composition, "Nutty." It's a great tune. On this disc, Rollins is not part of that performance. The song is performed by Monk, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Blakey on drums. On the Coltrane/Monk recording, the song is about 75 seconds longer and features 'Trane on saxophone. Comparing the two versions is interesting and rewarding. This release offers tracks laid down in various studios in 1953 and '54, but gosh, they sound as if they were created earlier today. What Rollins and Monk do to the standards "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want to Be Happy" ought to be done to every American pop song in the catalogues of all the great writers. Once you start liking this kind of jazz, whether you are 17 or 57 like I am, you can't stop. It's too good for background, too swinging to read a book by...it needs to be savored for the artistry of its creators with full listener attention. You'll find it's a half-hour you won't regret.

Rollins had (and still has) monster chops. He completely devours 'The Way You Look Tonight' and 'I Want to be Happy'. The other tracks are excellent, too, but I absolutely love 'Friday the 13th'. It is the one track you could play over and over again without ever growing bored.

I don't have a large Monk collection and I have not heard this song on other discs. Given Monk's habit of recycling material (a habit of which I approve!), I'm sure it is on several, but I can't imagine a better version exists than this one. Who but Monk would think of the French horn as a jazz instrument? Julius Watkins' contributions here are no mere novelty, either. They are integral to the entire piece.

This session was recorded on Friday, November 13, 1953. On the way to the studio, Monk and Rollin's taxi was involved in a fender bender, making them late for the session. A few other problems threatened to make the session a disaster (read the liner notes). The tension may have actually helped these guys in their playing - not that their talent wasn't enough, but they seem to really be releasing some emotions here.

This excellent disc will never disappoint and will continue to provide many, many joyous discoveries even after 1,000 playings. Monk's music is so wonderful, please do yourself a favor and enjoy this offering. Highly recommended!

An earlier reviewer wrote that Rollins was a great player until he was eclipsed by John Coltrane--this is nonsense! Think of Coltrane or Rollins on their own terms; I happen to prefer listening to Rollins which is not to say Coltrane is a lesser musician. Was Billie Holiday eclipsed by Ella Fitzgerald? Was Louis Armstrong eclipsed by Miles Davis? No and no. These two are great musicians working at the top of their form.

This release would be a great addition to any serious jazz library. Rollins is in fine form on the tracks he is invloved with, and Monk is Monk, which as always is satisfying. I could listen to Thelonious' solo on FRIDAY THE 13TH forever, true minimalist genius.

This is an incredible recording that captures Monk and Rollins doing some of their best stuff. The cd is filled with intense and amazing solos and innovative, fascinating harmonic changes. Highly recomended. Monk at his best.

Hearing Monk&Rollins is something Special to the Human Ear.cuz you know that you are Listening to two of The Greatest Musicians that The Jazz World has ever heard.both Artists took chances.The Chemistry&Vibe are real strong here.