Thelonious Monk Brilliant Corners

Thelonious Monk Brilliant Corners on 180g Mono LP from Analogue Productions: Mastered AAA by Kevin Gray from the Original Analog Master Tapes and Pressed at QRP

Thelonious Monk's third Riverside album, Brilliant Corners — the first to include horns and emphasize his original compositions — is recognized as the first major step in his rise from being considered a mere eccentric to rightful acceptance as a true jazz giant.

Released in 1957, this masterpiece stands as a testament to Monk's genius as a composer, pianist, and bandleader. With its complex harmonies, angular melodies, and unpredictable rhythms, Brilliant Corners defies convention and challenges the listener to explore new sonic territories.

Original compositions recorded here in multiple 1956 sessions, represent Monk at his most inventive and most challenging. "Brilliant Corners," with its uneven meter and tempo changes, is undoubtedly the real back-breaker, but this doesn't mean that the others are simple: "Pannonica" is a near-ballad with guts; "Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-luse-are," has lots of extended blowing room (and don't neglect to dig several things Monk is doing behind the horns); and "Bemsha Swing" is only one of the four originals not specifically prepared for this record date. Monk recorded it twice previously, but comparison shows that it hasn't remained static during that time. Each track offers a glimpse into Monk's singular musical vision.

It took real stars to master some of Monk's most difficult and brilliant music, and Brilliant Corners is backed by an all-star ensemble featuring the likes of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Oscar Pettiford, Ernie Henry, Paul Chambers and Clark Terry.