Description

Recorded live in Tokyo in 1963, this CD captures the quartet on their first Asian tour, performing mostly Thelonious Monk‘s own tunes, such as “Straight, No Chaser,” “Blue Monk,” and “Bemsha Swing.” The Japanese audience reacts enthusiastically, with the quartet responding in kind with a generally inspired performance. Monk‘s trademark, quirky compositions are on full display, with their sophisticated voicings, rhythmic oddities, and melodic eccentricities. At this point in his career, Monk‘s output was remarkably consistent, and there is nothing here to dispel that characterization. This should appeal to collectors as well as first-time listeners who wish to own at least one Monk quartet album. The music is of a consistently high quality and it is well-recorded.