Despite various reissue formats over several decades, the seven original LPs contained inThelonious Monk The Riverside Tenor Sessionsstood perfectly well on their own at the time of initial release and remain among the highest achievements of a truly golden age. Recorded and released between 1956 and 1961, these seven Monk combo albums were critical in Monks emergence from a decade of ridicule and neglect to his status at the pinnacle of the jazz pantheon.

Monks third Riverside album,Brilliant Corners the first to include horns and emphasize his original compositions is recognized as the first major step in his rise from being considered a mere eccentric to rightful acceptance as a true jazz giant.

Released in 1957, this masterpiece stands as a testament to Monks genius as a composer, pianist, and bandleader. With its complex harmonies, angular melodies, and unpredictable rhythms, Brilliant Corners defies convention and challenges the listener to explore new sonic territories.Original compositions recorded here in multiple 1956 sessions, represent Monk at his most inventive and most challenging. Brilliant Corners with its uneven meter and its tempo changes, is undoubtedly the real back-breaker, but this doesnt mean that the others are simple: Pannonica is a near-ballad with guts; Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-luse-are, has lots of extended blowing room (and dont neglect to dig several things Monk is doing behind the horns); and Bemsha Swing, is only one of the four originals not specifically prepared for this record date. Monk recorded it twice previously, but comparison shows that it hasnt remained static during that time. Each track offers a glimpse into Monks singular musical vision.

It took real stars to master some of Monks most difficult and brilliant music andBrilliant Corners is backed by an all-star ensemble featuring the likes of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Oscar Pettiford, Ernie Henry, Paul Chambers and Clark Terry.In addition to some of his best recorded piano performances and more than two dozen of his profoundly personal compositions, the albums in this reissue series provide an overview of the eras major tenor saxophonists, with contributions by Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse and Harold Land. Max Roach, Art Blakely, Roy Haynes and Thad Jones are among the other jazz immortals featured on the essentialBrilliant Corners,Monks Music:Thelonious Monk Septet,Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane,Thelonious in Action,Misterioso,5 by Monk by 5andQuartet Plus Two At The Blackhawk.

Reissued on 180-gram vinyl by Analogue Productions
Mastered AAA by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tape
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket

Label: Riverside Records, Analogue Productions
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Mono, 180g
Country: US
Reissued: May 17, 2024 / Original Release: 1957
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bop, Hard Bop

File under: Audiophile Jazz