Palo Alto

An unheard concert by Monk and his great band (Monk, Charlie Rouse-tenor sax, Larry Gales-bass, and Ben Riley-drums) from '68. This approximately 47 minute show includes tunes like "Ruby My Dear", "Well You Needn't", "Epistrophy" and other compositions that Monk fans will recognize. Also here is a Monk solo piece, "Don't Blame Me", which gives this album some depth and puts Monk's style on good display.Recorded in good sound by the school janitor in exchange for tuning the piano (except for the bass being to far forward in the mix at times) at a Palo Alto high school, the band played this concert just before leaving to play a scheduled show in S.F. that same night. Monk and the band are in typically good form throughout this album with some very fine playing from all the band members. Monk's angular style of piano is well represented here as is Rouse's fine tenor sax playing. The rhythm section underlays everything here to great effect, letting Monk and Rouse explore the music.The sound is good/very good, with a nice period warmth that doesn't clutter up the nicely cleaned up sound even if the bass is too prominent at times. The 14 page booklet has a nice essay on the era, Monk, and the music, plus a couple of b&w photos. There's also a short essay by Danny Scher who was responsible for putting on the concert. The small poster (91/2" X 12") is also kind of nifty--a nice thing to include. The disc slips into a pocket in the tri-fold cardboard package that has pockets for the poster and the booklet.Monk fans will want this album in their Monk collection. If you're a Monk fan--get this.

I was interested in this from the moment I heard it. What surpassed my expectations was the sound. Since it was recorded in a high school auditorium, arranged by a 19 year old student and recorded by the janitor, I though it would be an audience recorded reel to reel. It's not. It's a stereo board/house tape. I see on the linear notes that there was some tape restoration, transfer and izotope mastering software was used. It's not modern day perfect, but clear, upfront and enjoyable. Great performance on top.

As advertised, extraordinary!

first cd arrived incredibly damaged but second CD was perfectly fine

Love it, love it, love it. Band is cooking...sound is great....and the backstory is the icing on the top! Thank you, Impulse! And much thanks to Mr. Scher and the anonymous/unknown janitor who recorded the experience!! Of course, thank you also to Thelonious, Jr. who has continued to keep the fires burning for Monk all these years. I am so grateful for all the recordings we already have, but I sure hope "new" finds continue to be unearthed for many more years!!! Go Monk Go!

Say Hey - If you know Monk, you have heard these tunes before, with the possible exception of a solo piano performance of "I Love You Sweetheart of All My Dreams." However, the Palo Alto concert is highly worthy of a listen because of the intense swing of all concerned. Everybody sounds happy, inspired and improvising on a high level. A welcome addition to Monk's live (very live) recordings.

The story reads great in its bio and it’s what drew me in, but the quality and his playing are outstanding. More than just a novelty release, this is essential listening. The background is well worth reading although the font is nearly impossible to read in the cd case. Might even pick up the vinyl.

Bought a copy each for my brother and sister. We all attended the rival school across town from Palo Alto HS, none of us attended this concert and regret it to this day. The album notes tell the amazing history of its genesis, which none of us had known. ‘Monk’ is played regularly in my PA home. I have been told that it happily accompanied my GA brother as he opened his Christmas gifts and continues to delight. My OR sister listens to it last thing in the evening to soothe. It was a serendipitous find as I wracked my brain to find their perfect gifts. We had loved the music of Thelonius Monk and this collection did not disappoint.