darkprinceofjazz
This session from 1963 is my favorite Monk Session of all time, I realize that the main knock against it is, Only "Bright Mississippi" is a new composition. But the Solid interplay of the quartet, with the Pianist Monk and Saxophonist Charlie Rouse's telepathy are remarkable. The original Columbia vinyl pressing also just sounds spectacular. every instrument is perfectly recorded. Usually piano solos bore the hell out of me, But not monk, his back to the roots sound with his unusual sense of time, never fails to entertain. Monk was an odd fellow, with a sense of humor, that I always appreciate, "just a gigolo" and "Body and Soul" are Masterworks of solo piano. the whole album is a classic of Modern Jazz, and greatly unappreciated. All of the 60's Columbia releases are well worth a listen, and the vinyl can be had at very reasonable prices. This was also Monk's biggest selling album believe it or not.The albums Criss Cross and Monk are almost just as good.