Provocative, controlled, erratic, lyrical, grating and, above all else, original. These are just a few of the terms one can use to describe Thelonious Monk both
the man and his music.

Recorded for the 1960 Roger Vadim movie Les Liaisons Dangereuses, this album features Monk performing with Charlie Rouse, Barney Wilen, Sam Jones
and Art Taylor.

"Les Liaisons Dangereuses" 1960, music recorded for the 1960 Roger Vadim movie Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

A studio set recorded in 1959, in New York City, when Monk was in his late tenure at Riverside Records, the sound here is something of a preview of his approach upon his move to Columbia Records, where the compositions took on a tighter (it's relative; this is, after all, Monk) form. The set features tenor saxophonists Charlie Rouse and Barney Wilen. Rouse went on to serve in Monk's bands until the end. Wilen was best known then as the sax man on Miles Davis soundtrack recording, Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud (Fontana, 1958). The rhythm section was rounded out by bassist Sam Jones and drummer Art Taylor.

"As on most of his Columbia work, the set list is contains tunes mostly from the familiar Monk songbook, with a brief gospel hymn "By And By (We'll Understand it By And By)". The somber "Pannonica" receives three treatments; "Well You Needn't" is more fluid and more introspective than any other Monk take of the tune; "Crepuscule With Nellie" is, as always, perfect universe that makes complete and beautiful sense.

"Thelonious Monk : "Les Liaisons Dangereueses" 1960 is Monk in fine form, leaning toward his Columbia Records sound with excellent compatriots". - allaboutjazz.com, Dan McClenaghan, June 1, 2017