Interpretations of Monk

On November 1, 1981, a few months before Thelonious Monk’s death, there were two tribute concerts (an afternoon and evening show), that took place at Columbia University, here in Manhattan, and make up this 4CD set.

There were two sets in the afternoon show, the first featured pianist Muhal Richard Abrams (CD1), and the second set was by Barry Harris (CD2), both sets featured soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, Thelonious' longtime tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, trombonist Roswell Rudd, trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Richard Davis, with drummer Ben Riley playing on Muhal Richard Abrams’ set, and drummer Ed Blackwell on Barry Harris’ set. At the end of Muhal Richard Abrams’ set, Amiri Baraka reads his poem ‘Bang, Bang Outishly’.

The evening show was also two sets, the first set was Anthony Davis (CD3), and the second set was Mal Waldron (CD4), the backing musicians were the same as the afternoon show, with drummer Ed Blackwell playing on Anthony Davis’ set, and drummer Ed Blackwell on Mal Waldron’s set.

 

 

If you’re a fan of Thelonious’ music, I highly recommend this wonderful set.

To qualify for this freeload, what are some of your favorite live albums?