Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners [Yellow Vinyl]

ERMITAGE

£19.78

Cat. no: VNL22709
Format: LP Yellow Vinyl
Barcode: 3770024957099
Release Date: 29 Nov 2024
Genre: Jazz

Brilliant Corners is an exceptional example of Monk's distinctive approach to jazz, which was characterized by angular melodies, unusual chord progressions, complex rhythms, and an idiosyncratic sense of timing

The title track, "Brilliant Corners," for example, was so intricate that it took multiple takes to complete, and the musicians found it challenging to follow its unconventional structure. This difculty speaks to Monk's originality and his pushing the boundaries of what jazz could be at the time. The LP is one of Thelonious Monk's most acclaimed and infuential albums, recorded in 1956 and released in 1957. It stands as a cornerstone in Monk's discography, showcasing his innovative approach to jazz composition and performance, and is often regarded as one of his fnest works. Upon its release, Brilliant Corners was met with widespread critical acclaim and remains a signifcant album in jazz history and helped solidify Monk's status as one of the great innovators of modern jazz. It was a breakthrough album for Monk commercially as well, attracting attention from jazz critics and listeners who were beginning to appreciate his genius more widely. Today, Brilliant Corners is considered an essential jazz record, often cited as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time: musicians like Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and Eric Dolphy were infuenced by Monk's ability to push the boundaries of jazz without losing its essence. The album is not just a masterwork in Thelonious Monk's discography but a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern jazz.

Tracks: Brilliant Corners / Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are / Pannonica / I Surrender, Dear / Bemsha Swing