Charlie Rouse Quartet: Moment’s Notice

Originally issued on the Jazzcraft and Storyville labels in 1978, Moment’s Notice features the tenorman with pianist Hugh Lawson, bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Ben Riley, who-like Rouse-was a member of Monk’s quartet in the ’60s. The tunes range from such uptempo fare as the “Clucker” by Lawson (who also wrote the Latin-inflected “Joobobie”), Shirley Scott’s fascinating “Royal Love” and Monk’s “Well You Needn’t” on through to more relaxed numbers like Rouse’s own “Let Me” and Thad Jones’ exquisite ballad, “A Child Is Born.” Rouse’s melodic playing perfectly illuminates each piece and the rhythm section is faultless. Four alternate takes and twenty-five minutes of music are added to the original LP.

Originally Published April 1, 1999