Steve Lacy & Roswell Rudd Quartet - School Days

During 1961-1964, soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy and trombonist Roswell Rudd co-led an unusual quartet that exclusively played the music of Thelonious Monk. Amazingly enough, no record label was interested in recording the band (despite their high profile) and the eventual breakup led to the group being largely forgotten. In 1975, Emanem came out with this LP, which is comprised of a decently recorded, privately taped live performance from March 1963. Lacy and Rudd are joined by drummer Dennis Charles and (on five of the seven numbers) bassist Henry Grimes. Because Grimes showed up late that day, there are versions of “Bye-Ya“ and “Pannonica“ that were played without a bass but they still hold together. On such songs as “Brilliant Corners,“ “Monk’s Dream,“ and “Skippy,“ the legendary group lives up to one’s expectations and really digs into Monk’s music. Mono recording March 1963 (?) live at Phase Two Coffe House, New York City Composed By – Thelonious Monk Soprano Saxophone – Steve Lacy Trombone – Roswell Rudd Double Bass – Henry Grimes Drums – Dennis Charles Recorded By – Paul Haines, Vashkar Nandy 00:00 Bye-Ya 09:05 Brilliant Corners 18:55 Monk’s Dream 26:13 Monk’s Mood 34:26 Ba-Lue Bolivar 44:54 Ba-Lues-Are Skippy 51:14 Pannonica