‰Û÷brilliant corners‰۪ may well be considered the alpha & omega of post-world war ii american jazz - no serious jazz collection should be without it.
the assembled quartet for the lion's share of the sessions included max roach (percussion), sonny rollins (tenor sax), oscar pettiford (bass), & ernie henry (alto sax). although a compromise, the selection of miles davis' bassist, paul chambers, & clark terry (trumpet) on ‰Û÷bemsha swing‰۪ reveals what might be considered an accident of ecstasy, as they provide a timeless balance between support & being able to further the cause musically. likewise, roach's timpani interjections supply an off-balanced sonic surrealism while progressing the rhythm in & out of the holes provided by monk's jackrabbit leads. the childlike innocence evoked by monk's incorporation of the celeste during the achingly beautiful ode ‰Û÷pannonica‰۪ raises the emotional bar several degrees. perhaps more pointed, however, is the impassioned ‰Û÷i surrender, dear‰۪ - the only solo performance on the album.