Four for All (1987)

About this title: Although Sphere was initially formed by Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charlie Rouse, and Ben Riley to honor Thelonious Monk, their repertoire expanded far beyond his compositions. There is only one piece by Monk included here, a very playful arrangement of "San Francisco Holiday" (or "Worry Later," as it was tentatively titled by Riverside producer Orrin Keepnews when it was first recorded by Monk). Barron's samba "Baiana" proves to be a lively opener, while "Lunacy" is a tense post-bop chart that inspires some of the group's best playing on the date. Rouse's upbeat "Bittersweet," Williams' ... read more

Tracks:

1. Baiana [Barron]
2. Bittersweet [Rouse]
3. Lunacy [Barron]
4. Air Dance [Williams]
5. San Franciso Holiday (Worry Later) [Monk]
6. Lupe [Williams]
7. This Time the Dream's on Me [Arlen/Mercer]
8. Melancholia [Ellington]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.