Thelonious Monk – Misterioso (1958)

One of the most exciting groups that pianist/composer Thelonious Monk ever led was his 1958 quartet with tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik, and drummer Roy Haynes.

When the quartet featured on MISTERIOSO was burning up the Five Spot back in 1958, they came under attack from fickle fans and critics, seemingly for no other reason than that they weren't the 1957 model (featuring John Coltrane, Wilbur Ware and Shadow Wilson). But the wit, wonder and vigorous interplay of this quartet enlivens these performances to such a degree, it's impossible to discern what the big deal was about. This is an amazing band.

Listening to tenor virtuoso Johnny Griffin on "Blues Five Spot," it's clear that for him Monk's music was almost second nature. Like fellow tenor giant Sonny Rollins, Griffin understood the rhythmic impetus behind Monk's melodies, and his penchant for witty interpolations allowed him to work a ditty such as "The Sailor's Hornpipe" into the conclusion of his unaccompanied chorus. Also, if you listen to how he and Monk reprise the head (and introduce "Let's Cool One"), you'll note the saxophonist's ability to voice his lines in such a way as to suggest different saxophone ranges, and even multiple horns when playing in unison with the pianist.


Thelonious Monk (piano)
Johnny Griffin (tenor saxophone)
Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass)
Roy Haynes (drums)


Tracklisting:

1. Nutty
2. Blues Five Spot
3. Let's Cool One
4. In Walked Bud
5. Just A Gigolo
6. Misterioso
7. 'Round Midnight - (bonus track)
8. Evidence - (bonus track)


Recorded live at The Five Spot Cafe, New York, New York on August 7, 1958

Playing Time: 63:53

RapidShare

APE 1 APE 2 APE 3 APE 4

MP3 part 1 MP3 part 2

check my other posts


No mirrors please.