It is rumoured that a Danish producer recovered this precious find from a skip some 20 years ago. Apparently, the producer was going to mix and sample the cuts during the dizzy heights of acid jazz.

This previously unreleased recording took place on the 5th March, 1963 at the Old Fellow Palaeet, Copenhagen; Thelonious Monk, of course, needs no formal introductions.

This album should be treated like the crown jewels, for it is a valuable find! It is, my precious! 

There is a limited release of 250 clear vinyl albums, which I am sure a few will pop-up on Discogs in the imminent future. It is almost certain that you may have to mortgage your assets to possess this treasure. However, do not panic as there is plenty of love to share with the CD and digital downloads.   

The quality of this release is magnificent, especially when you consider it is a ‘AAA’ recording with outstanding production. It’s all analogue baby! This album guarantees digital techniques do not always come first in music production and sometimes you just can’t beat the old school, so enjoy the ride , listen and buy.

Snippets from this album include:

Bye-Ya, featured on the 1962 album Monk's Dream. This track has a distinct signature featuring Monk’s silent metronome. The cadence is impeccable as Charlie Rouse, one of the most celebrated tenor saxophonist to bless us with his talent, huffs and puffs with precision and passion. This live performance is indeed comparable to the studio recording, and the final mastering is unsurpassed. Rouse delivers a gritty jive over Monk's infills. The timing is so tight it can only be measured by the beats of an atomic clock. Many musicians must envy this live performance of Nutty, also co-written by Coltrane because everyone wishes they had discovered it. This performance is fluid, natural and warm. The question is, how does one play it so cool?

And my favourite has to be Monk’s Dream. I do not exaggerate when I say the quality of this recording is fresh, as though it was played and pressed this afternoon.

Let's face it. The quality of play on this AAA recording is unmatched. If it was not for the crowd clapping and impromptu vocalisation you would think this was a studio album.

Very few music albums can be afforded the full 5-star rating!

Credits:

Thelonious Monk - Piano

Charlie Rouse- Tenor Saxophone

John Ore - Double Bass

Frankie Dunlop - Drums

Label: Gearbox Records