Charlie Rouse Day

April 6, 1924 – November 30, 1988

Epistrophy

Tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse was born April 6, 1924 in Washington DC.

He’s best known for his work with collaboration with Thelonious Monk from 1959 to 1970.

Before Monk, Rouse was also a member of Billy Eckstine Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and the Count Basie Octet.

If you know Monk’s music, you know Charlie’s signature sound, one of the most distinctive tenor sounds in jazz.

The Thelonious Monk Quartet performs “Epistrophy” featuring Charlie Rouse. Composed by Thelonious Monk and Kenny Clarke in 1942, the number was first recorded that year under the title “Fly Right” by Cootie Williams’ Big Band.

Personnel:

Thelonious Monk, piano
Charlie Rouse, tenor sax
Ben Riley, drums
Larry Gales, bass