Dwain

• T.S. Monk and company really bring the swing in a big way on this one. There are lots of great different elements of jazz on this one from swing, to blues, and all the way out to funk. I feel as though a little is lost in the choice of consecutive high energy burnin’ tempo songs in the beginning part of the album. This section starts to feel a little busy and over energized in my opinion. I wish that a few of the latter featured tunes on the album had been interjected sooner.

• Helen Sung’s playing on this album is absolutely phenomenal and she is a force to be reckoned with. A master of many techniques and styles it is very evident that she is well studied in the language of jazz piano. I have no choice but to feel like Oscar Peterson would approve.

• I really like that Monk felt like he could put together a live album and do what really spoke to him personally. It's evident with the energy put forth by him and the band on these recordings. A great way to carry on his father’s legacy and well done to Monk and crew.

Overall score: 8.0/10

Max

• Two Continents One Groove is a great live recording that brings together many elements of jazz and represents T.S. Monk’s Sextet quite well. There are a number of phenomenal musical contributions from different members at different times. The song list includes 2 Randy Weston tunes, a Jymie Merritt groove song in 7, 3 band member originals including an original ballad from trumpeter Josh Evans, and the Miles standard “Seven Steps to Heaven.” Tenor Saxophonist Willie Williams is energetic and consistently provides interesting improvisatory contributions. Helen Sung on piano, in particular, shines throughout this album. Great playing from multi-instrumentalist Patience Higgns and bassist Kenny Davis as well. Some intricately cool bass lines are featured here, giving a spotlight to Davis. The group is reminiscent of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers circa early-mid 1980’s. Despite some strict arranging that seems to get in-the-way a bit and deter from the possibility of really stretching some sections that could be stretched, the music is executed well. Several allusions to Thelonious Monk are found all throughout. It is a swingin’ affair that deserves an attentive listen.

Overall score: 8.0/10