There is an inescapable freshness and vitality saturated into every measure of every song. The passage of time makes it all the more difficult to imagine any other musicians bearing the capacity to support Monk with such ironic precision. The assembled quartet for the lion's share of the sessions included Max Roach ( percussion ), Sonny Rollins ( Tenor Sax ), Oscar Pettiford ( Bass ), and Ernie Henry ( Alto Sax ).

Although a compromise, the selection of Miles Davis' bassist, Paul Chambers, and Clark Terry (trumpet) on "Bemsha Swing" reveals what might be considered an accident of ecstasy, as they provide a timeless balance between support and being able to further the cause musically. Likewise, Roach's timpani interjections supply an off-balanced sonic surrealism while progressing the rhythm in and out of the holes provided by Monk's jackrabbit leads. It's easy to write Monk's ferocity and Forrest Gump-esque ingenuity off as gimmick or quirkiness.

Tracklist

A1 Brilliant Corners
A2 Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are
B1 Pannonica
B2 I Surrender, Dear
B3 Bemsha Swing