Release date: 15-09-2011(reissue from 1957 album)

2011 EU limited edtion High-definition premium 180gm vinyl -This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime meetings of giants....Top 25 Jazz - Sealed & stickered

Tracks:
01. Round Midnight (Monk-Williams)
02. Rhythm-a-ning (Monk)
03. Sweet and Lovely (Arnheim-Tobias-Lemare)
04. Decidedly (Mulligan)
05. Straight, No Chaser (Monk)
06. I Mean You (Monk)

Since it is only in fiction, legend and superficial histories of jazz that thee is supposed to be either indifference or active dislike between various schools of jazz, thee should be nothing at all surprising in the revelation that Gerry and Thelonious have always had strongly positive feelings about each other's music.  What may be more surprising is that there is a long-standing bond of personal friendship between them, and that the idea of playing together has long been a very appealing one to both men. Consequently, the suggestion that they record jointly made immediate sense to both.

The atmosphere on both occasions was one of complete and fruitful relaxation. There was much too  much mutual respect and affection on hand for there to be any danger of feelings of competitiveness getting in the way.

Three decades ago, when Riverside paired Thelonious Monk and Gerry Mulligan on this album, it seemed a daring move. These two appeared to represent opposite ends of the jazz spectrum, separated by geography (East Coast and West) as much as by style (bop vs. cool). Actually, it was a rather safe project: producer Orrin Keepnews had learned that the two men were friends; even more importantly, it is now clear that both were the kind of revolutionaries who had substantial (and not dissimilar) respect for jazz tradition. The album was, as advertised, a meeting of giants, but its most lasting value may be as proof that there was a strong bond connecting theoretically opposing forms of early modern jazz.

Recording: August 1957 in New York