My first and favorite Monk record. Coltrane and Coleman Hawkins occupying the big horn chairs. Coltrane biographer Priestly claims when Monk calls out "Coltrane, Coltrane" it was to wake up a heroin fogged John Coltrane. John snaps out of it right on cue as we can hear on the record. Art Blakey pounds away at the beat but gives up the drum stool to the (also) very capable Shadow Wilson.

All sharp edges on this masterpiece. One of the few records where Monk could not nail down the theme in one or two takes. This includes my favorite version of Bemsha swing. How could it not be with Max Roach and Oscar Pettiford laying down the groove. Sonny Rollins does what Sonny Rollins does best and that is work that tenor into all the right places.

One master nods at another.

Seems like an odd mix up at first but Mulligan has a lot of respect for Monk's thinking.

If you have the money, than you have no excuse.