Originally released by UK label Black Lion specialized in rare gems from US Jazz and Blues legends, this recorded document is a can’t-miss opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to get closer to the music. Reissued by ORG Music with ultimate audiophile production standards with Steve Hoffman and Bernie Grundman at the helm, resulting in truly spectacular preservation of the original sound.

Rated 11/11 Music and 11/11 Sound by Michael Fremer (Analog Planet)
 

• Limited Edition
• Black Lion Essential Reissue Series
• Audiophile 180 Gram Vinyl
• Cut by Chris Bellman
• Mastered from Original Stereo Master Tapes
• Pressed at Pallas in Germany
• EQ Notes and Curation by Steve Hoffman & Bernie Grundman!
• Exclusive cover artwork

Originally released by the UK label Black Lion, an imprint that specialized in resurrecting rare gems from US jazz and blues legends, this recorded document is a can’t-miss opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to get closer to the music. Reissued by ORG Music, this historical reissue is afforded the ultimate in audiophile production standards, resulting in sonics and presentation befitting the museum-like worth of this record’s existence.

Mastered from the original master tapes at Bernie Grundman Studios by Chris Bellman and pressed at Pallas, the 180g LP was curated by legendary engineer Steve Hoffman and eq’d by Grundman himself. A better team you cannot find; every step involved serious quality-control measures to guarantee gorgeous sound. The superb vinyl jacket features exclusive artwork. Indeed, this is what being a collector is all about. This reissue preserves vital music that will be enjoyed by generations to come. Consider it a buried treasure that, miraculously, has resurfaced in better condition than that when it was originally made.

What if you could be a fly on the wall at Thelonious Monk’s final recording sessions as leader? You can. Offering tremendous late-period performances, The London Collection Vol. 1 is nothing but Monk, improvisational, unhinged, and unrestrained. Alternating between established originals and familiar classics, the pianist weaves magic spells on the 88s, savoring pauses between notes, the decay of chords, and a fluid style that feels more welcome than some of his angular playing. The London Collection Vol. 1 marks what are indisputably Monk’s final significant contributions.

"...pure unadulterated Monk... The piano sound is absolutely ideal tonally, texturally and especially dynamically. The transient attack is ultra-clean, the sustain generous and the decay falls away naturally. When Monk accentuates a note or series of notes by ramping up the volume, it gets loud! In short, it sounds like a piano. It sounds like Monk has sat down to play a recital just for you! ...The sound here is so transparent, the pressing quality so superb, the vinyl so quiet, if you set the level just so, I think you'll agree with me that the title of this review is not hyperbole: turn out the lights and Monk has been brought back to life to play just for you!" - Michael Fremer, Anaog Planet

Track Listing:

Side A
01. Trinkle, Tinkle
02. Crepuscule With Nellie
03. Darn That Dream
04. Little Rootie Tootie
05. Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland

Side B
06. Nice Work If You Can Get It
07. My Melancholy Baby
08. Jackieing
09. Loverman
10. Blue Sphere