Record Reviews

THELONIOUS MONK ~ LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES 1960 SAM 5051083118477 (Barcode: 5051083118477) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1959 Released: 2017 This is an extraordinary archival album by the iconic American pianist / composer / bandleader Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, recorded in NY with his regular quartet, which included saxophonist Charlie RouseFind albums by this artist, bassist Sam JonesFind albums by this artist and drummer Art TaylorFind albums by this artist, expanded to a quintet with the addition of the French saxophonist Barney WilenFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded to serve as a soundtrack to the film by the French film director Roger VadimFind albums by this artist, entitled “Les Liaisons Dangereuses”. In complete contrast to the attitude American Jazz modernists, like Monk, suffered from at home, being constantly abused and subject to racial discrimination and ridiculous disapproval by narrow-minded music “critics”, in Europe and especially so in France, they enjoyed no less than a godly status, being absolutely revered by the local intellectual aristocracy and the general public alike. The revolutionary, brilliant French cinema of the late 1950s had an established liaison with Jazz, including the Miles Davis soundtrack for the 1957 film “Ascenseur pour l`échafaudFind albums with this title” by the director Louis MalleFind albums by this artist. There are numerous other examples of Jazz soundtracks in French cinema, but also in UK and even behind the Iron Curtain, especially so in Poland. This 2CD album offers ten tracks on CD1, all which were used within the film’s soundtracks, and six tracks on CD2, which were recorded during the same session, but were not included in the film. The sound quality is excellent, as is the music of course. All of which (except for one tune) was composed by Monk. The album is accompanied by a superb sixty-pages booklet with extensive background articles and wonderful photographs, a true labor of love. Although the album offers compositions, which were recorded many times by various Monk’s groups, they are all unique, since obviously Monk’s Genius was demonstrated, among other qualities, also by his ability to introduce subtle nuances each and every time he played one of his tunes. Overall, this is a major discovery and a true celebration of one of the greatest Jazz figures, which deserves to be hear by every Jazz fan. Of course Monk has many devoted fans, who should find this release absolute essential. Not to be missed!

Updated: 17/05/2023Posted: 17/05/2023

CD 2 Mini-Sleeve Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend