Complete Blue Note Recordings
From the 1947 sessions that lead off this set through to the 1958 live recordings at the Five Spot withJohn Coltrane, this box set chronicles the development of one of the most unique and creative American musicians. The first CD dates entirely from 1947, and on it we hear a Monk conversant in the bebop idiom, his distinct style emerging. By 1951 on the second CD we have a gorgeous version of "Ask Me Now," with all the delightful rhythmic hesitation that became one of his trademarks. "Reflections" on the third CD hasSonny Rollinscaressing the melody in an almost languid tempo, followed by a classic version of "Misterioso," with J.J. Johnson andHorace Silversharing the piano role. The Monk-Coltrane live cuts on the fourth CD are incandescent. All in all, a set that is both enlightening (with a number of alternate takes) in its scope and delightful in its sheer musicianship and creative spark.--Michael Monhart