Thelonious Monk - Thelonious In Action
Piano - Thelonious Monk [click here to see more products featuring Thelonious Monk]
Tenor Saxophone – Johnny Griffin [click here to see more products featuring Johnny Griffin]
Drums – Roy Haynes [click here to see more products featuring Roy Haynes]
Bass – Ahmed Abdul-Malik
Written by Thelonious Monk
1LP, standard sleeve by Stoughton Printing
Original analog Master tape : YES
Record color : black
Speed : 33RPM
Size : 12”
Stereo
Live
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Label : Analogue Productions
Original Label : Riverside Records
Recorded at the Five Spot Cafe, New York City on August, 1958
Engineered by Ray Fowler
Produced by Orrin Keepnews
Mastered by Kevin Gray at AcousTech Mastering
Liner Notes by Orrin Keepnews
Design by Paul Bacon
Photography by Jack Manning
Originally released in 1958
Reissued in May 2024
Tracks:
Side A:
- Light Blue
- Coming on the Hudson
- Rhythm-a-ning
- Epistrophy (theme)
Side B:
- Blue Monk
- Evidence
- Epistrophy (theme)
Reviews :
“While in exceptional form, Monk is far from casting the only or even the brightest light during these unforgettable sides. Joining him on-stage at the legendary Five Spot club are: Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass), and Roy Haynes. It's unfortunate that this unit did not remain together for any length of time as they are able to launch Monk's compositions into some fairly significant places. Johnny Griffin's aggressive performance style incorporates a lyrical and melodic undertone perfectly complementing Monk's sporadic inflections. "Coming On the Hudson" features Griffin weaving his magic around the melody while providing a decisive Coltrane-esque counterpoint to which Monk precariously locates his responses. The intensity of "Rhythm-A-Ning" lifts the whole combo after quickly developing the chorus. Griffin builds line upon melodic line, after which Monk responds in kind by adding distinct punctuations of his own. So powerful is Griffin's onslaught, Monk can be heard indicating more than once that Griffin should indulge in another verse. After a ragged but right beginning, "Evidence" becomes transcendental with Griffin, Monk, Malik, and Haynes -- who is frenetically brilliant throughout -- diving into solos which envelop the melody and ultimately expand the unique patterns and motivations.” AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4.5 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.71 / 5