Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane - Complete Live at the Five Spot 1958

Release date 2013

Even before the first note is played, the apocrypha proclaiming this to be a non-professional recording -- which finds Naima Coltrane (John Coltrane's wife) as "audio engineer" -- is fortunately true. The raw nature of the contents accurately reveal the reality of experiencing a Five Spot gig during the venerable venue's halcyon days. What can also be found beyond the sporadic chatter and general hubbub of a New York City Harlem nightclub is arguably the strongest aural evidence of the unique working rapport these jazz icons shared. While the relationship between Monk and Coltrane is the crux of these performances, Ahmed Abdul-Malik (bass) and the irrepressible Roy Haynes (drums) also contribute mightily by allowing enough context to support the soloist while pulling out occasional solos of their own. Haynes' interjections to "In Walked Bud" and "I Mean You" go beyond the simple progression of rhythm. While the perspective of this recording is somewhat unfavorable to Coltrane, there is no mistaking the intense activity of his tenor sax. His solo during "I Mean You" is particularly potent, as he somehow finds room to incorporate a well-placed line or two from a popular show tune (no surprises spoiled here for potential enthusiasts eager for a good sonic hide and seek).

Music Review by Lindsay Planer