Bill Holman (conductor)
Woodwinds: Bill Perkins (soprano & alto saxophones, flute); Pete Christlieb (soprano & tenor saxophones, flute); Ray Herrmann (soprano & tenor saxophones); Lanny Morgan (alto saxophone, flute); Bob Efford (baritone saxophone, bass clarinet)
Trumpets: Carl Saunders, Frank Szabo, Ron Stout, Bob Summers
Trombones: Jack Redmond, Andy Martin, Bob Enevoldsen (valve trombone), Kenny Shroyer
Rhythm: Rich Eames (piano), Dave Carpenter (acoustic bass), Bob Leatherbarrow (drums)
1. Straight, No Chaser
2. Bemsha Swing
3. Thelonious
4. 'Round Midnight
5. Bye-Ya
6. Misterioso
7. Friday the 13th
8. Rhythm-A-Ning
9. Ruby, My Dear
10. Brilliant Corners
Recorded at Oceanway Recorders, Hollywood, California on February 11 & 12, 1997. BRILLIANT CORNERS was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance. "Straight, No Chaser" won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement. This is not your run-of-the-mill big band record. Rarely does a recording come along that captures the quirky, sly and swinging eccentricities of Thelonious Monk's compositions in such an unusual setting. Leader and arranger Bill Holman employs swift changes in texture, style and color with just the right amount of straight ahead swing. Bartok-like dissonances are used to such dramatic effect that the tension-and-release feel of the arrangements is a roller coaster ride in itself. Monk would have been proud. Rather than just creating big band arrangements of standard Monk tunes, a feat in itself, Holman has expanded upon the very nature of the compositions. Classics like "Straight, No Chaser" and "Rhythm-A-Ning" take on new sides to their respective characters. The standard "'Round Midnight" comes at you with a dark, mysterious, Hitchcockian demeanor before rolling into a slow, bluesy feel. Likewise, "Bemsha Swing," "Misterioso" and "Brilliant Corners" reveal fresh faces in their daring arrangements. The spirit of Monk is alive and well on this superb date.
