This 10" disc consists of tracks recorded between 1948 and 1952. The co-headline billing is somewhat of a misnomer as
Thelonious Monk
(piano) only participates in two of the three sessions from which this title was culled. Chronologically, the
pop
ballads
"All the Things You Are"
and
"I Should Care"
are derived from July 1948 records that are perhaps as notable for the inclusion of
Kenny "Pancho" Hagood
's dreamy crooning as they are for contributions of
Monk
or
Milt Jackson
(vibes). However, both are front and center throughout with their highly stylized prominent instrumental punctuation. A prolific July 1951 date -- which yielded nine tracks altogether -- is the source for the two
originals,
"Ask Me Now"
"Criss-Cross."
Joining the two co-leaders are
Sahib Shihab
(alto sax),
Al McKibbon
(bass), and
Art Blakey
(drums). Each display the essence of both
's undisputed
bop
mastery as well as this particular combo's seemingly effortless unity and cohesive improvisational skills.
's off-kilter and rhythmically challenging leadership prevails throughout
-- which is also conspicuous for the audible absence of
Jackson
. An April 1952 session -- from what in essence includes
the Modern Jazz Quartet
:
John Lewis
(piano),
Percy Heath
Kenny Clarke
(drums) -- provide unparalleled support for
. Along with
Lou Donaldson
(alto sax), they provide two sublime takes of
Duke Ellington
's
"Don't Get Around Much Anymore"
-- each a singularly emotive masterwork. Although the 1952 date is not included,
Complete Blue Note Recordings
feature the entire 1948 and 1951 collaborations as well as every other side the pianist cut during his half-decade tenure on
Blue Note
. ~ Lindsay Planer