![thelonious monk and john coltrane thelonious monk and john coltrane](https://www.biography.com/.image/t_share/MTE4MDAzNDEwNDg2MDAzMjE0/john-coltrane-9254106-1-402.jpg)
His association with Monk proved to have quite an impact on him, as evidenced by the evolution of his playing found here and later on Giant Steps. The album features 3 quartet selections, 2 septets (with Coleman Hawkins as an added attraction) and one 9:42 piano solo, “Functional,” closing out the disk.Ĭoltrane had gone to work for Monk at New York’s Five Spot shortly after he (Coltrane) parted company with Miles Davis in 1957. It well represents the music he wrote that musicologists cite to describe him as the most eccentric jazz musician of the century. Critics consider this album one of Monk’s best. It is, after all, a recording that might be considered one of a teacher and his prized pupil. His ventures into atonal improvs are beyond comparison his compositions stellar - all 6 of them (2 are bonus tracks, not appearing on the original LP). I have to tell you though, that it’s Monk at his piano who shines brightest here.
![thelonious monk and john coltrane thelonious monk and john coltrane](https://d3crmev290s45i.cloudfront.net/content/1002150xxx/1002150062/1002150062-size-exact-300x0.jpg)
Pianos, guitars and brass are great, but to this writer, nothing compares to the evocative nature and sonority of a saxophone, no matter whether it’s a tenor, alto or soprano.
![thelonious monk and john coltrane thelonious monk and john coltrane](https://merchbar.imgix.net/product/vinylized/upc/49/762182874922.jpg)
In fact, I once related in my column for The Sensible Sound that I thought the Creator bestowed the sax upon us so that we could all enjoy jazz. I originally bought the album because I am very much a fan of mid-century jazz saxophone players - Parker, Rollins, Coltrane, Hawkins, Desmond and a host of others. I can’t begin to tell you how incredible the music is. What is offered here is all that remains of the Monk/Coltrane sessions. This album was recorded in April, June and July 1957, but not released until 1961.