condition (disc/cover): EX / EX

1958, and a perfect match: Thelonious Monk sits in with Art Blakey's Messengers - Johnny Griffin and Bill Hardman in the front line - for a full program of Monk compositions. Blakey understood Monk's rhythm like few drummers ever have; the two go back to the foundational 1947 Blue Note sessions together, and that deep history is audible in every bar. Monk's angles and Blakey's shuffle lock together like old machinery that never rusted. Griffin, soon to join Monk's own quartet, tears through the tunes with his usual ferocious fluency. An essential meeting of two rhythmic geniuses. CD on Atlantic Jazz.