Search - Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins :: Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins

Giants of Jazz

George H. Soule | Edwardsville, Illinois United States | 08/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So this is another misleading package--par for the course for Monk. And to be fair, not so unusual for other jazz musicians. We have three tracks of the five (no bonus here, my friends) that actually have Monk and Sonny Rollins on the stand together. The two quartet tracks with Art Taylor on drums and Tommy Potter on bass are "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want to be Happy." They are worth the price of the album because both Monk and Rollins are in fine form and they work and play well together. In fact, when I first heard this recording, I doubted that I was hearing Monk. I thought that I was hearing a lyrical pianist imitating Monk. Rollins seems to bring Monk out, and he plays longer lines, more lyrical lines without abandoning his characteristic left hand chords and the discords against them in the right hand triplets. (Notice that I said "discords." Monk doesn't play mischords.) So Monk is different and in some respects playing outside of his usual mode. (Dare I say "envelope"?) And Rollins has the great gifts that were eclipsed by the advent of John Coltrane. Rollins' solos on "The Way You Look Tonight" and "I Want To Be Happy" show that he is a great tenor saxophonist, and this album is testimony to his skill. The third Monk/Rollins collaboration is a 1953 gig that also featured Julius Watkins on French horn. The rendering of Monk's "Friday the 13th" is worth a listen because the horn is a jazz curiosity; its phrasing and intonation are a unique addition to the jazz palette. (An interesting experiment, at the very least.) The other two tracks on the album are Monk compositions "Work" and "Nutty" played with Percy Heath, and Art Blakey--this a fine trio and perhaps the most congenial for Monk's work. Blakey is superb--as always he is the metronome that lives--listen to the solo on "Work." Percy Heath is the solid bassist in these great trio tracks. And Monk--oh how he plays that piano!!"

A Must Own CD

Tim Smith | Bonney Lake, WA United States | 05/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rollins had (and still has) monster chops. He completely devours 'The Way You Look Tonight' and 'I Want to be Happy'. The other tracks are excellent, too, but I absolutely love 'Friday the 13th'. It is the one track you could play over and over again without ever growing bored.I don't have a large Monk collection and I have not heard this song on other discs. Given Monk's habit of recycling material (a habit of which I approve!), I'm sure it is on several, but I can't imagine a better version exists than this one. Who but Monk would think of the French horn as a jazz instrument? Julius Watkins' contributions here are no mere novelty, either. They are integral to the entire piece. This session was recorded on Friday, November 13, 1953. On the way to the studio, Monk and Rollin's taxi was involved in a fender bender, making them late for the session. A few other problems threatened to make the session a disaster (read the liner notes). The tension may have actually helped these guys in their playing - not that their talent wasn't enough, but they seem to really be releasing some emotions here.This excellent disc will never disappoint and will continue to provide many, many joyous discoveries even after 1,000 playings. Monk's music is so wonderful, please do yourself a favor and enjoy this offering. Highly recommended!"

Rollins should not be compared to Coltrane

Michael J. Ludvik | Ocala, FL USA | 05/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An earlier reviewer wrote that Rollins was a great player until he was eclipsed by John Coltrane--this is nonsense! Think of Coltrane or Rollins on their own terms; I happen to prefer listening to Rollins which is not to say Coltrane is a lesser musician. Was Billie Holiday eclipsed by Ella Fitzgerald? Was Louis Armstrong eclipsed by Miles Davis? No and no. These two are great musicians working at the top of their form."