God, not another Monk covers album, that's the natural reaction! But it turns out to be the best anyone's made in years. Brilliant original interpretations of a few over-recorded classics, but, more importantly, of seldom-heard Monk titles such as ‘Oska T’, ‘That Old Man’, ‘Gallop's Gallop’ and ‘Coming on the Hudson’. ‘Ugly Beauty’ is there too and one that British club groups used to love – ‘Off Minor’ (heard here in two totally different versions, the second of which has Warfield in outer space territory for four torrid minutes). The tenor player is in top, inventive form throughout, with a sound that varies occasionally and which at times evokes Charlie Rouse, Hawkins-Golson, even Coltrane as influences. Eddie Henderson, now 74, offers his best and most persuasive work in 20 years or so (listen to ‘Ugly Beauty’, which also has some poignant Warfield soprano and ‘Round Midnight’), while much of the credit for this record's individuality and responsibility for the highly original arrangements must go to the perfect man for the job – the ever-adventurous Orrin Evans. But equally outstanding are bassist Ben Wolfe, who really anchors the band with a big fat tone and harmonic urgency (his playing on the opening ‘Blue Hawk’ is superb) and Clarence Penn's drumming which tastefully colours and shapes every single song. An outstanding album in every respect. Unreservedly recommended.