This LP (whose contents have been reissued in different settings on CD) features the always adventurous tenor saxophonist
Coleman Hawkins with three different modern groups. The first four selections are the earliest studio recordings of pianist/composer
Thelonious Monk, who was clearly happy to be performing in
Hawkins' quartet. A date from Dec. 1946, matches
Hawkins with such young modernists as trumpeter
Fats Navarro, trombonist
J.J. Johnson and vibraphonist
Milt Jackson on intriguing versions of "I Mean You" and two versions of "Bean and the Boys," showing that
Hawk was able to keep up with (and indeed master) the innovations of bebop. He is also heard on two ballad showcases and in a less memorable but still enjoyable 1949 date with a variety of French musicians, plus drummer
Kenny Clarke, that is highlighted by a pair of blues. ~ Scott Yanow