Live At The Five Spot / Discovery!

Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of a legendary jazz residency with Thelonious Monk's "Live At The Five Spot / Discovery!". Recorded in August 1958 at the iconic Five Spot Cafe in New York City, this album captures the raw energy and innovative spirit of Monk's quartet, featuring the young and dynamic John Coltrane on tenor saxophone. This historic collaboration between two jazz giants is a testament to their groundbreaking contributions to bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz.

The album's five tracks, including "Trinkle Tinkle" and "Crepuscule With Nellie", showcase Monk's unique compositional style and virtuosic piano playing, while Coltrane's soaring solos and harmonic adventurousness are on full display. The live setting amplifies the intensity and spontaneity of their performances, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of these jazz innovators.

Originally released in 1958 by Blue Note Records, "Live At The Five Spot / Discovery!" has since become a cornerstone of jazz history. The 1993 re-release of the 1957 recordings brings this classic live set to new generations of listeners, allowing them to experience the magic of Monk and Coltrane's collaboration firsthand. With a runtime of just over 42 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful snapshot of a pivotal moment in jazz history, making it an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

Thelonious Monk, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his distinctive improvisational style and significant contributions to the jazz canon. As one of the founders of modern jazz, Monk's unique approach to rhythm, space, and harmony set him apart, making him the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. His compositions, such as "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", and "Straight, No Chaser", are staples of the genre. Monk's deliberately quirky playing, which often challenges conventional notions of rhythm and harmony, might take some time to appreciate, but his brilliance as a composer and pianist is undeniable. Growing up in New York, Monk began playing piano at the age of five and honed his craft throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on jazz history.