Thelonious Monk Septet - Monk's Music (1977 Japanese Riverside Stereo LP)

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Thelonious Monk Septet - Monk's Music Vinyl LP - 1977 Japanese Riverside Contemporary Series Stereo Reissue with Insert

Thelonious Monk's June 1957 septet session brings together an extraordinary lineup including tenor saxophonists John Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins, alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce, trumpeter Ray Copeland, bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Art Blakey. Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios and produced by Bill Grauer, the album showcases Monk's compositions performed by a larger ensemble than his usual trio or quartet format, the septet arrangement allowing fuller voicing of his angular melodies and unusual harmonies. The session's historic significance lies partly in capturing Coltrane just before his legendary collaboration with Monk at the Five Spot, their musical relationship already evident here. Released in Japan in 1977 as part of Riverside's Contemporary and Original Recording Series, this Victor Musical Industries pressing includes Japanese liner notes insert.

The album opens with "Abide With Me", a gospel hymn arranged by Monk, before moving into five Monk originals. "Well, You Needn't" features the full septet navigating Monk's typically unpredictable melody, while "Ruby, My Dear" showcases the tenderness within his compositions. The pairing of Coltrane and Hawkins—representing different generations and approaches to tenor saxophone—creates fascinating contrasts, Hawkins' swing-era warmth meeting Coltrane's searching, intense modernism. Monk's piano solo on "Ruby, My Dear" demonstrates his unique approach: percussive attack, unexpected note choices, and rhythmic displacement that sounds both wrong and absolutely right.

"Off Minor", "Epistrophy", and "Crepuscule With Nellie" (the latter a solo piano piece dedicated to Monk's wife) complete the programme, each composition bearing Monk's unmistakable stamp. Art Blakey's drumming provides both propulsion and conversation, Wilbur Ware's bass work adds melodic invention, and the horn arrangements allow Monk's melodies to be heard with unusual clarity.