Album Review: Thelonius Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall
In my occasional Blast from the Past blog entries, I take a quick look at notable reissues from notable recording artists — some you’ll recognize; some you probably missed. All are worth a closer look.
Jazz fans know that one of the most legendary collaborations in the genre was the string of live 1956-’57 Monk Quartet dates in which they were joined by saxophonist John Coltrane. Their gigs at the Five Spot Café have gained near-mythic status. Some of Coltrane’s studio work with the Quartet was released at the time, and the remainder of the sessions were compiled in the 90s on the expansive, 150-plus track Complete Riverside Recordings. All amazing, certainly. But what of live performances? Until recently, they remained a legend, a remarkable memory only for those select few who witnessed them.
But in 2005, Larry Applebaum at the Library of Congress was cataloging some old Voice of America radio broadcasts. “I noticed several tapes labeled ‘Carnegie Hall Jazz 1957,'” he recalled. “One of the tape boxes had a handwritten note on the back that said ‘T. Monk’ with song titles…my heart started racing.”
Not only is this two-disc set historically important and flawlessly recorded, but it’s some amazing music. Even to someone (like me, I must confess) who isn’t schooled in the genre, this set represents one of the high points in music. Essential.
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About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.