Tonight's Jazz feature pays tribute to the Birthday Anniversaries of both drum master Art Blakey, born on Oct.11,1919 and piano genius Thelonious Monk, born on Oct 10,1917. This recording was a one off done for Atlantic Records on May 14 &15, 1957. Blakey and Monk were close friends and it was decided to do this recording together. Monk had two demands: one was that the tunes be mainly his and two was that the bassist be Wilbur Ware who was Monk's favorite bassist. Unfortunately Wilbur was indisposed and Blakey's regular bassist, James "Spanky" DeBrest was called in to do the date. Monk approved and the recording proceeded without a hitch. 5 of the 6 tunes are by Monk and the band gives them a good workout. The 6th tune was by Johnny Griffin and called "Purple Shades". This was an important recording featuring the two Jazz masters in a unique setting. Enjoy Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk.

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