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.

ForThelonious in Action, Monk recorded live at the Five SpotCaf in the Bowery neighborhood of Manhattan on August 7, 1958, at the same sessions that producedMisterioso. One of New Yorks most celebrated jazz rooms, the Five Spot is where Monk first emerged into the spotlight. With him on this date was tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin, drummer Roy Haynes, and bassist Ahmed Abdul-Malik. They created two highly memorable in-performance albums (of which this is the first) of classic Monk repertoire.From the moment Monks fingers touch the keys on the opening track, Light Blue, the listener is transported into a world of musical virtuosity and improvisational brilliance. Monk leads the quartet through a series of electrifying performances that are as daring as they are captivating.

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, Stereo, 180g
Country: US
Reissued: May 17, 2024 / Original Release: 1958
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bop

File under: Audiophile Jazz