Jazz Immortals

The classic jam sessions that took place at Minton's and Monroe's Uptown Playhouse in the Harlem section of New York City in the early 1940's ultimately gave birth to the modern sounds of be-bop. Leading the sessions on many nights was the brilliant guitarist from Benny Goodman's band, Charlie Christian - the genius of the early electric guitar. The house band at Mintons during this period included Thelonious Monk on piano, Joe Guy on trumpet, Nick Fenton on bass, and Kenny Clarke on drums. Guests that would come to play included many jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Ben Webster, Don Byas and many others. Thanks to the efforts of a young Columbia University student and jazz fan named Jerry Newman (who later went on to become a brilliant recording engineer)- many of these classic jams were recorded, including this classic recording featuring the great Charlie Christian who led the jam with support from Thelonious Monk and a young Dizzy Gillespie. All selections have been newly remastered.