This LP helped to reinvent Monk's reputation, showing listeners that Monk was not just a "mad genius" but a structured and well-rounded musician with the ability to lucidly interpret and reinvent the works of another composer.
Even though Duke Ellington and Coleman Hawkins had both been well-known jazzmen since the early 1920s, it wasn't until 1962 - at least 20 years after Duke first suggested it - that these two recorded their only session together.
This 1957 release, the third in a series of albums expanding on Bird's 10-inch Clef releases from the early 1950's, 'Now's The Time' boasts some of Parker's purest recordings and strongest playing, featuring two different quartets.
In addition to two unreleased 78s with the McShann band, this set offers two sets of private recordings made with local musicians and a very relaxed-sounding Parker.