Thelonious Monk - Nutty (7)

A companion piece to Monk, Gearbox Records' previously unreleased Monk album, this is a limited pressing 7 single. To many people this is the definitive Thelonious Monk Quartet line up, recorded at their peak, for a Danish radio broadcast in 1963. Charlie Rouse (sax) Frankie Dunlop (Drums) and John Ore (Bass) deliver a truly outstanding version of 'Nutty'. Ore and Dunlop really dig in and swing. Simultaneously driving and laid back, Monk's masterful use of space and melody in Charlie Rouse's solo is a clear demonstration as to why Monk is considered by many to be the the best accompanist the jazz world has ever known. Monk has a lightness of touch in this recording that isn't often heard. Strong themes are interspersed with florid lines and embellishments. The result is an awe-inspiring take that's dripping with cool.