Monk Live In Paris, 1967, Volume One [Blue 180 Gram Vinyl LP]

Thelonious Monk - Monk Live In Paris, 1967, Volume One [Blue 180 Gram Vinyl LP]

A newly unearthed and fully restored recording of Thelonious Monk's November 3, 1967 concert at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, long considered one of the most elusive performances of his European tours. Volume One marks the first official release from the Thelonious Monk Estate, issued on its own Rhythm-A-Ning Entertainment as the first in a series of authorized archival recordings of material that circulated for years only as bootlegs.

The set showcases Monk's longstanding quartet, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse with bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley, joined in various permutations by alto saxophonist Phil Woods, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, trumpeter Ray Copeland and tenor titan Johnny Griffin, Rouse's predecessor in the quartet. "Epistrophy" features a scorching, muscular Griffin solo and an adventurous one from Copeland; the deliciously syncopated "Evidence" brings sparkling Rouse, more Copeland and a bluesy, swinging Woods. On both extended pieces the horns lay down dense harmonic statements and riffs that give the night a jubilant, jam-session feel. "We See" again highlights Rouse and Copeland, and "Ruby, My Dear" is played by the original quartet alone.

"Giants like Rollins and Coltrane, Abdul Malik, Roy Haynes or Art Blakey, Mingus and Max Roach spent much time with Monk, but they didn't travel that much," says Monk's son, T.S. Monk. "His touring with larger ensembles especially in Europe, not as much. The Clark Terrys, Phil Woods, Thad Jones, the Jimmy Clevelands, Johnny Griffins and others highlight the respect his peers had for him. These musicians traveled for the art as much as the money! They all loved Monk and their presence is a tribute to his artistry."

Pressed on 180-gram blue vinyl in a single-pocket jacket with a poly-lined sleeve and insert. Mastering and lacquer cutting by Warren Defever at Third Man Mastering; plating and pressing by United Record Pressing. Cover artwork by Japanese graphic designer Gaku Inada. The concert concludes on Volume Two.

Track Listing:

A1. Artist Introduction (2:00)
A2. Epistrophy (9:45)
A3. Evidence (14:24)
B1. Ruby, My Dear (7:40)
B2. We See (13:59)

Personnel:

Thelonious Monk - piano (all tracks)
Charlie Rouse - tenor saxophone (all tracks)
Larry Gales - bass (all tracks)
Ben Riley - drums (all tracks)
Johnny Griffin - tenor saxophone (A2, A3)
Phil Woods - alto saxophone (A2, A3)
Jimmy Cleveland - trombone (A2, A3)
Ray Copeland - trumpet (A2, A3, B2)