Thelonious Monk Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk on 180g LP from Analogue Productions: Mastered AAA by Kevin Gray from the Original Analog Master Tapes and Pressed at QRP

The sextet sessions from which Quartet Plus Two At the Blackhawk sprung started out as a collaboration. The occasion was Monk's second visit to San Francisco. He took his current quartet — Monk on piano; Charlie Rouse, tenor sax; John Ore, bass; and Billy Higgins, drums, plus he added two of the most impressive horn men available on the West Coast — trumpeter Joe Gordon and tenor sax player Harold Land. This vibrant live performance took place at the famed San Francisco jazz club in 1960.

While the entire album showcases the group's remarkable chemistry and improvisational prowess, several standout tracks exemplify the quintet's dynamic energy and innovative approach to jazz. "Epistrophy," the iconic Monk composition, is given new life in a live setting, with its infectious rhythms and memorable melody captivating the audience from the first note.

The album displays brilliantly and evocatively several different facets of Monk — his artistry and his magic. The addition of Land's horn makes for a very soulful set.