Bebop & Beyond - Plays Thelonious Monk (1990) FLAC

Tracks

01. San Francisco Holiday
02. Brilliant Corners
03. Think of One
04. Crepescule with Nellie
05. Misterioso
06. Criss Cross
07. Gallop's Gallop
08. Ugly Beauty
09. Who Knows

Personnel

Mel Martin - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute
Warren Gale - trumpet, flugelhorn
Randy Vincent - guitar
Jeff Chambers - bass
Donald Bailey (#1-3,7), Eddie Marshall (#4-6,8,9) - drums
George Cables - piano (#4-6,8,9)
Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone (#2,7)
Howard Johnson (#2-5,8) - baritone saxophone, tuba

This CD contains one of the best Thelonious Monk tributes that have come out since the pianist/composer's death in 1982. Mel Martin (heard here in top form on tenor, soprano and flute) leads Bebop & Beyond through nine of Monk's most difficult originals, and his arrangements (which use the versatile guitarist Randy Vincent in Monk's place) are consistently inventive. Pianist George Cables, tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, and Howard Johnson (on baritone and tuba) make important guest appearances, while trumpeter Warren Gale contributes many fine solos.

Scott Yanow