Joe

I hate to be the "guy without a good discographical reference work of his own," but... assuming this release was always conceived of a split showcase, do any extra tracks or takes exist for either session?

Frolicking pooch.

Slumbering hound.

Solo saxophone may or may not be in your bag (pun intended), but both BLUE BOYE and ROI BOYE & THE GOTHAM MINSTRELS are essential. BUSTER BEE, his duets with Oliver Lake, are in the same vein / spirit, but dance to their own muse.

If you're thinking 'bout my doggie it don't matter if you're black or white.

How I wish there truly was a Savalas / Coxhill collaboration...

Keyboard legend in memorable sweater.

Motian was among the most truly poetic of musicians; sad to hear he is gone, but what a recorded legacy he left...

Hair seemingly on fire.

Much grass. Those numbers are somewhat surprising... though BN was in the habit of sponsoring rehearsals even at that point in the label's history (I'm assuming). Not to be a narcissist or anything, but, apropos of Larry's observation re: Lucky & Monk... I'd completely forgotten I'd written this.

Funny; I was prompted by this discussion to revisit that same date to remind myself of Thompson-as-Monkian "fit." This date -- along with the Signal / Savoy quartet session featuring Gryce -- features some of Monk's most demanding / knotty compositions... Thompson is, of course, as graceful as ever, but I sure would love to know how many takes it took this ensemble to produce these performances.

Add ot the list of fine / "better" Rouse performances (IMO)... Sonny Clark's LEAPIN' AND LOPIN'. I agree that part of this issue with Rouse's work with Monk has to do with his being given too space / time to solo, and often without any musical interaction from the pianist.

GM ...