Clark Terry Quartet & Thelonious Monk – In Orbit
Recorded in New York in 1958, ‘In Orbit’ is Clark’s sixth album as leader. Featuring Monk on Piano, the album also guests Sam Jones (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums). This new edition of the album is released as part of the Original Jazz Classics Series.
At this point Clark was at a peak, having become a frequent presence on the stage with Count Basie and Duke Ellington. To that end, AllMusic commented that In Orbit was, true to its title, “A spirited, boppish date.” Monk fans will revel in the more rarified track “Let’s Cool One” (the pianist’s only composition here). Other standouts include Terry’s silky-smooth “One Foot in the Gutter” and the wistful “Argentia.”