The Jazz Show Episode October 27, 2008

Broadcast on 27-Oct-2008

9:00pm - 11:59pm

This is one of Monk's most important recordings and set the stage for his return to the forefront of Jazz. In the early 50's Monk, although his recordings for Blue Note and Prestige are now classics, was brushed aside by the forces in Jazz and didn't work very much. He was generally dismissed as a mildly interesting eccentric...nothing more. He did, however have a small following among musicians and fans. It wasn't until Orrin Keepnews, one of the owners of Riverside Records, bought out Monk's contract from Prestige and established a trusting relationship with Thelonious. Keepnews recorded two fine trio albums, the first being all Duke Ellington tunes and the second an album of Monk selected standards. They sold reasonably well and people began to take notice of this neglected genius. The third album is tonight's Feature....and it's the 'real deal'. Monk's music played by a band of his favourite players including Sonny Rollins,Max Roach, Oscar Pettiford and the great unheralded alto saxophonist Ernie Henry. One tune features Clark Terry, Monk's good friend and one of his favourite trumpet players. One tune is a piano solo on a standard (I Surrender Dear) done in one take. This album called "Brilliant Corners" brought Monk back from obscurity and was the beginning of his ascent to greatness....his work permit was granted to play in New York clubs and his quartet with John Coltrane was right around the corner.....the rest as they say is history.

Track Listing:

The Kid From Redbank
Count Basie · Basie Plays Hefi
Duet
Flight of the Foo-Birds
Double-O
Whirly Bird
Splanky
Fantail
Li'l Darlin'
Tune Up
Philly Joe Jones · Blues for Dracula
Jack the Ripper
Roland Kirk · Introducing Roland Kirk
Pirate Jenny
Nina Simone · Nina in Concert
Voodoo
Sonny Clark · Leapin' and Lopin'
The Chill of Death
Charles Mingus · Let My Children Hear
Unseen and Unknown
Babyface Willette · Mo-Roc
Blues for Dracula
Philly Joe Jones · Blues for Dracula
Take Five
Joani Taylor · In My Own Voice
Compared to What
Jazz Feature:
Blue Bolivar Blues
Thelonious Monk · Brilliant Corners
Pannonica
Brilliant Corners
Besha Swing
I Surrender Dear.