Thelonious Monk Quartet - Thelonious In Action (1958/2017) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

Among Thelonious Monk's brilliant musical associations, the one with tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin sometimes gets overlooked. This 1958 recording catches the quartet with bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik and drummer Roy Haynes on its home turf, New York's Five Spot Cafe. Griffin's gruffly compressed sound and high-speed, coiling lines are a fine foil for Monk's spare and pointed comping, bringing a distinct and special intensity to Monk's music. Together the group turns in classic renditions of familiar Monk tunes, including a brilliant Griffin performance of "Blue Monk".

The original "Thelonious in Action" vinyl comes from the August 7, 1958 show. While in exceptional form, Monk is far from casting the only or even the brightest light during these unforgettable sides. Joining him on-stage at the legendary Five Spot club are: Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass), and Roy Haynes. It's unfortunate that this unit did not remain together for any length of time as they are able to launch Monk's compositions into some fairly significant places. Johnny Griffin's aggressive performance style incorporates a lyrical and melodic undertone perfectly complementing Monk's sporadic inflections. "Coming On the Hudson" features Griffin weaving his magic around the melody while providing a decisive Coltrane-esque counterpoint to which Monk precariously locates his responses. The intensity of "Rhythm-A-Ning" lifts the whole combo after quickly developing the chorus. Griffin builds line upon melodic line, after which Monk responds in kind by adding distinct punctuations of his own. So powerful is Griffin's onslaught, Monk can be heard indicating more than once that Griffin should indulge in another verse. After a ragged but right beginning, "Evidence" becomes transcendental with Griffin, Monk, Malik, and Haynes – who is frenetically brilliant throughout – diving into solos which envelop the melody and ultimately expand the unique patterns and motivations.

Tracklist:

01 - Light Blue
02 - Coming On The Hudson
03 - Rhythm-A-Ning
04 - Epistrophy (Theme / Version 1)
05 - Blue Monk
06 - Evidence
07 - Epistrophy (Theme / Version 2)

Produced by Orrin Keepnews. Engineered by Ray Fowler.
Recorded on August 7, 1958 at the Five Spot Cafe, New York City.

Musicians:
Thelonious Monk - piano
Johnny Griffin - tenor saxophone
Ahmed Abdul-Malik - bass
Roy Haynes - drums


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