Label: Prestige/Ojc
Audio CD: July 1, 1991
Original Release Date: November 13, 1953
Jazz
Thelonious Monk created some of his most innovative music during the period in the early '50s when he recorded for Prestige, and Sonny Rollins was in the forefront of the few musicians who could respond to Monk's challenging compositions and sharp-angled, dissonant comping. It's apparent in the way the two transform the standards "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want to Be Happy," Rollins soaring through the former and bringing wry wit to the latter. Monk's "Friday the 13th" is heard in an extended performance with Rollins and French-horn player Julius Watkins, challenging, probing music.
By Stuart Broomer.
**
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. By William E. Adams.
**
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!
By Timothy K. Smith.
**
01.The Way You Look Tonight
02.I Want to Be Happy
03.Work
04.Nutty
05.Friday the 13th
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