Bassist
Larry Gales
and drummer
Ben Riley
played together in
Thelonious Monk's
quartet during part of the 1960s and they anchor this
Monk
tribute CD, which also features trumpeter
Claudio Roditi
, trombonist
Steve Turre
, tenor saxophonist
Junior Cook
and pianist
Benny Green
.
"Straight No Chaser"
is given a lengthy jam-session treatment, "'Round Midnight" receives a surprise vocal from
Gales
(showing off a warm and expressive voice),
Cook's
tenor is featured on both "Off Minor" and "Ruby My Dear," and
Green
ably leads the trio through "Let's Call This" before the full sextet interprets
Gales'
minor-toned swinger "A Message from the High Priest." It is a little disappointing how little
Roditi
and
Turre
are heard from during the live set. But otherwise, the conventional jam on
music is respectful, boppish and enjoyable. ~ Scott Yanow