Charlie Rouse: Epistrophy

The sentimental interest of this last date, an all-Monk program, is matched by music of considerable value. Rouse knew his time was short, and some of his playing, like his final reading of “Midnight”, is very emotional. Kudos to George Cables and Jessica Williams (one track) for very fine and appropriately monastic piano work, and the rest of the rhythm is solid. The mood is slightly diluted when Don Cherry and Monk Montgomery sit in, though Cherry has a good solo on “Epistrophy.”

Originally Published December 1, 1997