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Special Order Away -- It's Worth It

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 06/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"J.R. Monterose is fantastic tenor player who unfortunately is under-recorded and underappreciated. His biggest claim to fame was playing on Mingus' Atlantic debut "Pithecanthropus Erectus," and he also recorded a wonderful self-titled album for Blue Note (now oop on CD). This album features 5 Monterose orginals and two standards, and they are all awesome. Tommy Flanagan, whom he recorded with again in the 70s, knows just where to lead and follow Monterose. The quartet is completed by Jimmy Garrison and Pete LaRoca, both making early recorded appearences here. Just the personnel alone intrigued me enough to buy it, but the music is what keeps it in heavy rotation on my CD player."

A Masterpiece

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 07/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I once asked Jimmy Garrison what he considered his best recording, and his response was this J.R. Monterose session, a tenor plus rhythm section outing that I frankly enjoy playing more than Rollins' "Saxophone Colossus." First, Monterose himself is ceaselessly engaging--completely melodic while eschewing predictability. He takes chances without hedging his bets, as his sound is robust and full, his articulations clear, his lines complete. Second, Flanagan is Flanagan--his single-note melodic structures expressing his unlimited lyricism as well as the personal touch and dynamic contouring that were unique to his playing. Third, even though the orginal album was an offbeat, unfamiliar label, the audio quality was as impressive as any I had heard on vinyl. The recording positioned me as a listener in the thick of the ensemble's extemporaneous creations--practically forcing me to concentrate on Pete LaRocca's spirited 4-bar drum breaks lest I miss my entrance. The cymbals sizzle and the bass walks right into your living room. Small wonder Jimmy was proud of this record."