Larry Gales Sextet - A Message from Monk

Bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley played together in Thelonious Monk's quartet during part of the 1960s and they anchor this Monk tribute CD, which also features trumpeter Claudio Roditi, trombonist Steve Turre, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook and pianist Benny Green. "Straight No Chaser" is given a lengthy jam-session treatment, "'Round Midnight" receives a surprise vocal from Gales (showing off a warm and expressive voice), Cook's tenor is featured on both "Off Minor" and "Ruby My Dear," and Green ably leads the trio through "Let's Call This" before the full sextet interprets Gales' minor-toned swinger "A Message from the High Priest." It is a little disappointing how little Roditi and Turre are heard from during the live set. But otherwise, the conventional jam on Thelonious Monk's music is respectful, boppish and enjoyable. AllMusicGuide