Complete 1957 Riverside Recordings

For an all-too-brief, magical time in 1957, two of the greatest musicians in history- Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane- performed together every night at New York's Five Spot Cafe. And between April and July of that year, they made their only studio recordings together. Coltrane was poised to make a giant leap forward- and ready to learn from one of the masters, Monk. In a DownBeat interview Coltrane recalled, 'Working with Monk brought me close to a musical architect of the highest order. I learned from him in every way.' Launching the newly minted imprint Craft Recordings, this deluxe 3-LP box set will feature unique 'file folder' packaging, original artwork, rare photos and 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI from lacquers cut by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. Rounding out the package is an insightful essay by the late Orrin Keepnews, who, as producer of the original sessions, was present at the creation of every note. Features the following collective personnel: Art Blakey, Wilbur Ware, Coleman Hawkins, Shadow Wilson, Ray Copeland and Gigi Gryce.