Thelonious Monk Quartet, Monk's Dream, MFSL UltraDisc One-Step, SEALED #127

$

195

Theloniuos Monk Quartet - Monk's Dream MFSL Mofi One-Step UltraDisc - SEALED!

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab.  UltraDisc, One-Step Mobile Fidelity, 45 rpm 2 LP.  Condition is new and sealed.

Note the ultra low pressing number:  127!

The historical import, musical genius, and timeless artistry of Monk's Dream can be best appreciated by first placing the record in the context of its era. In short, Thelonious Monk's joyful Columbia Records debut triggered a domino effect of mainstream attention, best-selling success, and unstinting respect that led him to become one of only six jazz musicians to ever grace the cover of Time – then America's most widely read weekly magazine. Couple the extraordinary feat with the fact the British Invasion and Beatlemania were already un full swing, and the cultural significance – not to mention its place in the jazz canon – of Monk's Dream skyrockets to near-unthinkable heights.

Strictly limited to 6,000 numbered copies, pressed on MoFi SuperVinyl at RTI, and mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity's ultra-hi-fi UltraDisc One-Step 180g 45RPM 2LP collector's edition pays tribute to the 1963 album's merit and enhances the music for generations to come. Surpassing the sonics of every other prior version, this spectacular collector's edition strips away any remaining film and limiting ceilings to provide a clear, transparent, and up-close view of a set that inspired DownBeat to award the record a five-star review in which critic Pete Welding correctly proclaimed it "a stunning reaffirmation of [Monk's] powers as a performer and composer."

The lavish packaging and gorgeous presentation of the UD1S Monk's Dream pressing befit its extremely select status. Housed in a deluxe box, it features special foil-stamped jackets and faithful-to-the-original graphics that illuminate the splendor of the recording. No expense has been spared. Aurally and visually, this reissue exists as a curatorial artifact meant to be preserved, poured over, touched, and examined. It is made for discerning listeners that prize sound quality and production, and who desire to fully immerse themselves in the art – and everything involved with the album, from the images to the finishes.

Such potency reveals itself as all the more obvious on a vinyl set afforded full-range reproduction of the multi-layered complexities, challenging tonalities, and nontraditional rhythms that conspire to place Monk's finest outings in a league of their own. Accurately portraying the complete scale of a piano remains one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish on a recording. And yet the sound of Monk's instrument here captures its wide-bandwidth frequency response and inner cavity, allowing notes to individually register all the while pairing with succeeding and decaying chords in seamless fashion. The presence, tones, and contributions of the colleagues surrounding Monk – tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist John Ore, and drummer Frankie Dunlop – register, too, with a lifelike realism rivaled only by sitting in an intimate club.

Bountifully benefitting from the newfound immediacy, clarity, and ink-black backgrounds on Mobile Fidelity's release are five originals and three covers that demonstrate the boundless vistas of Monk's vision, aptitude, and inventiveness. As acclaimed scribe Gary Giddins wrote while reminding us the North Carolina native's motto was "jazz is freedom," Monk's Dream exposes his "dauntless concentration, impressive faith, and an almost childlike glee." These traits spark works such as the spry interpretation of "Body and Soul," which Monk handles sans accompaniment, and guide the quirky angles that snake around and shape "Blue Bolivar Blues," the title of which refers to a Manhattan hotel.

Standard Warranty of Records: 

All records potentially have some miniscule pressing or handling artifact which may include tics.  None of these should affect the play and we cannot return or replace records that have these standard artifacts.  This record is in the valued, sealed condition and any manufacturing defects are the responsbility of the manufacturer.  However, many of these rare records are out of print.  Topical or miniscule paper sleeve marks, and other signs of incidental handling will not cause audible surface noise.  All records should be cleaned prior to play to remove mold release agents caused in manufacturing and packaging.  Cleaning of records is a standard requirement and the best way to enjoy the full aural spectrum of the recording.

Record is new and sealed, and therefore sold “as-is” as there is no way to determine if there may be manufacturing defects.  Shipping to USA only in double box, with insurance and signature required for $19.95.

Please see our feedback for record sales and bid with confidence.  All records are well packed for shipment.