Sphere (band)
Encyclopedia
Sphere were an American jazz ensemble which began as a tribute to Thelonious Monk
. Consisting of Monk's longtime tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse
, pianist Kenny Barron
, bassist Buster Williams
, and Monk's former drummer Ben Riley
, saxophonist Gary Bartz
assumed Rouse's place after his death in 1988.
Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Sphere Monk was an American jazz pianist and composer considered "one of the giants of American music". Monk had a unique improvisational style and made numerous contributions to the standard jazz repertoire, including "Epistrophy", "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", "Straight, No Chaser"...
. Consisting of Monk's longtime tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse
Charlie Rouse
Charlie Rouse was an American hard bop tenor saxophonist and flautist. His career is marked by the collaboration for more than ten years with Thelonious Monk.- Biography :...
, pianist Kenny Barron
Kenny Barron
Kenny Barron , is an American jazz pianist. He is the younger brother of tenor saxophonist Bill Barron, and known for his lyrical, adaptive style.-Biography:...
, bassist Buster Williams
Buster Williams
Charles Anthony Williams is an American jazz bassist.-Biography:Williams has gained prestige among jazz musicians as a solid supportive player. Since the early 1960s, he has made subtle swing, a precise rhythm and superb technique the landmark of his playing...
, and Monk's former drummer Ben Riley
Ben Riley
Ben Riley is an American hard bop drummer known for his work with Thelonious Monk, as well as Alice Coltrane, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Barron, and as member of the group Sphere...
, saxophonist Gary Bartz
Gary Bartz
Gary Bartz is an American alto and soprano saxophonist and clarinetist.Bartz graduated from the Baltimore City College high school and The Juilliard School...
assumed Rouse's place after his death in 1988.
Discography
- 1982: Four in One (Elektra)
- 1983: Flight Path (Elektra)
- 1985: On Tour (Red)
- 1986 : Live at Umbria Jazz (Red)
- 1986: Pumpkin's Delight (Red)
- 1987: Four for All (Verve)
- 1987: Sphere (Verve)
- 1988: Bird Songs (Verve)