Album Info Hide Show Artist: Thelonious Monk Album: Brilliant Corners Gatefold: Yes Released: Europe, 27 Jan 2017 Tracklist: A1 Brilliant Corners 7:46 Composed By – Thelonious Monk A2 Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues-are 13:24 Composed By – Thelonious Monk B1 Pannonica 8:50 Composed By – Thelonious Monk B2 I Surrender, Dear 5:31 Composed By – Gordon Clifford, Harry Barris B3 Bemsha Swing 7:50 Composed By – Denzil Best, Thelonious Monk Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 211 High St, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $150 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. 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If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show “Thelonious Monk – Brilliant Corners” is a seminal jazz album that stands as a testament to Monk’s innovative genius and his profound impact on the genre. Released in 1957 on the Riverside label, this album is often hailed as one of Monk’s most important works, showcasing his unique compositional style and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Sonny Rollins on tenor saxophone, Ernie Henry on alto saxophone, Oscar Pettiford on bass, Max Roach on drums, and Clark Terry on trumpet for one track. The presence of these accomplished artists adds a rich, dynamic texture to the album, allowing Monk’s complex compositions to be fully realized. “Brilliant Corners” opens with the title track, a piece that is notoriously difficult to play due to its unconventional structure and shifting time signatures. The track’s intricate melody and dissonant harmonies are quintessential Monk, reflecting his penchant for challenging both his musicians and his listeners. The recording of this track was so demanding that it required multiple takes and extensive editing, a testament to its complexity. The second track, “Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are,” is a blues piece that showcases Monk’s ability to infuse traditional forms with his own idiosyncratic style. The track features a memorable solo by Sonny Rollins, whose robust tenor saxophone complements Monk’s angular piano lines. The interplay between the musicians is a highlight of the album, demonstrating their ability to navigate Monk’s challenging compositions with both precision and creativity. “Pannonica,” named after Monk’s patron and friend Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, is a more lyrical and contemplative piece. The track features Monk on celeste, adding a shimmering, ethereal quality to the music. This piece stands out for its melodic beauty and emotional depth, offering a contrast to the more rhythmically complex tracks on the album. “I Surrender, Dear” is the only non-original composition on the album, a standard that Monk transforms with his distinctive touch. His interpretation is both playful and introspective, highlighting his ability to bring new life to familiar material. The track serves as a reminder of Monk’s deep roots in the jazz tradition, even as he continually sought to expand its boundaries. The album closes with “Bemsha Swing,” a collaboration between Monk and Denzil Best. This track features a driving rhythm and a catchy, syncopated melody that has become one of Monk’s most enduring compositions. Max Roach’s drumming is particularly noteworthy here, providing a propulsive energy that propels the track forward. “Brilliant Corners” is not just a collection of tracks, but a cohesive artistic statement that captures the essence of Monk’s musical vision. The album’s complexity and originality have made it a touchstone for jazz musicians and enthusiasts alike. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have been inspired by Monk’s daring approach to composition and improvisation. In conclusion, “Brilliant Corners” is a landmark album that exemplifies Thelonious Monk’s genius and his lasting impact on the world of jazz. Its innovative compositions, masterful performances, and enduring appeal make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolution of jazz music. Whether you are a longtime fan of Monk or a newcomer to his work, “Brilliant Corners” offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that continues to captivate audiences more than six decades after its release. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review