Dem Vinyl Boyz EP 89 - Thelonious Monk - With John Coltrane

Join us on this episode of Dem Vinyl Boyz as we delve into the sublime jazz collaboration between Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Recorded during their brief but historically significant stint together at New York’s Five Spot Café in 1957, this album captures a pivotal moment in jazz history. Notably, it is also one of basketball legend and cultural icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s favorite albums, a testament to its timeless influence and artistic depth.

In this session, we explore the synergy between Monk’s genius piano compositions and Coltrane’s saxophone virtuosity, which together create an unparalleled jazz experience. Tracks like "Ruby, My Dear" and "Epistrophy" not only highlight their individual talents but also their exceptional interplay, offering a masterclass in jazz improvisation and composition.

As we reflect on this historic album's significance in jazz and its influence beyond, we invite you to appreciate the artistry that continues to inspire across generations and genres. Whether you’re a long-time jazz aficionado or a new listener drawn by Kareem’s recommendation, this episode offers a deep dive into a landmark recording that showcases two of jazz’s greatest figures at their best.

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For decades, people who enjoyed music on vinyl records instead of CDs or MP3s were considered dinosaurs. While we like moving at 33 RPM, the rest of the world rushed and went to digital. Not only did vinyl refuse to die but demand is at its highest since at least 1991. It's a good thing Dem Vinyl Boyz saved all their records from back in the day. Because, now we have the biggest collection of 12-inch records on the radio.  Dem Vinyl Boyz love the joy of sliding a classic album out of its cover; the crackle of a needle just dropped into a groove; the careful way to pick up and flip a record when a side ends. On the podcast each week we feature a different piece of music history on vinyl record. Dem Vinyl Boyz experience the album front and back, giving you commentary and music facts along the way. Put your ear buds in and let us take you on a musically journey listening to the greatest music of all time and the history of how it became legendary. Dem Vinyl Boyz! Respect The Technique