Sphere

New recording for Rick Roe in both a duo, featuring Rodney Whitaker on bass, and solo piano setting. This CD features the music of Thelonious Sphere Monk, covering a few Monk tunes Roe previously recorded (Trinkle Tinkle and Eronel now in solo versions),and several first time offerings on Gallop's Gallop (solo), Let's Call This, Work, Think Of One (all duo), and Reflections (solo). Roe premier's four original compositions and a blues filled take on the MSU alma mater MSU Shadows. Roe is one of the Professor's of Jazz at Michigan State University where Rodney Whitaker chairs the Jazz Program. Their musical connection goes back almost twenty years, and includes Roe's first two CD's on his Unknown Records Label. This is a great sounding and feeling recording by two great musicians that have an amazing musical connection. Roe's Unknown Records label also has four previous recordings - Rick Roe - Monk's Modern Music (1994), Rick Roe - The Changeover (1996), Roe - Keller - Cleaver - The Late Late Show (2001), and Bop Culture (2002). 'Roe has recorded an affecting CD that provides a balance between honoring Monk once again and contrasting compositions of his own.' -Bill Donaldson Cadence Sept. 2005.