Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners / Analogue Productions

Monk's third Riverside album, 'Brilliant Corners', was the first to feature horns and original compositions and is regarded as the first major step on the road from eccentric to jazz giant. Released in 1957, this masterpiece is a testament

to Monk's genius as a composer, pianist and bandleader. With its complex harmonies, angular melodies and unpredictable rhythms, 'Brilliant Corners' defies convention and challenges the listener to explore new sonic territory.

The original compositions, recorded over several sessions in 1956, represent Monk at his most creative and challenging. 'Brilliant Corners' is undoubtedly the highlight, but that doesn't mean the other pieces are easy: 'Pannonica' is a near-ballad with gusto;

'Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-luse-are' offers plenty of room for extended horn sections; and 'Bemsha Swing' is just one of four originals not prepared specifically for this recording. Monk has recorded them twice before, but the comparison shows that they have not remained

static in that time. Each piece offers a glimpse into Monk's unique musical vision.

It took real stars to master some of Monk's most difficult and brilliant pieces, and 'Brilliant Corners' is backed by just that: Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Oscar Pettiford, Ernie Henry, Paul Chambers and Clark Terry.

Title

Side 1

1. Brilliant Corners

2. Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues-are

Side 2

3. Pannonica

4. I Surrender, Dear

5. Bemsha Swing