Sphere - On Tour (2026 Remastered Reissue) Sphere

Remastered reissue of Sphere's 1986 LP On Tour - the quartet is made up of Charlie Rouse, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams and Ben Riley

Universally recognised as one of the finest quartets in the history of jazz and originally formed as a tribute to Thelonious Monk's musical aesthetic, Sphere glide through harmonic and melodic patterns with the ease of those who have mastered every aspect of the form and know how to channel it into the soul. If anyone asks you what bop is, hand them this album with confidence!

Sphere was the middle name of Thelonious Monk and the quartet, founded by saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Ben Riley in 1977, was born precisely as an explicit homage to Monk's music. Both Rouse and Riley had long associations with Monk, particularly in the case of Rouse who spent more than ten years alongside the legendary jazz maestro. Following the death of Rouse in 1988, the band disbanded but then reunited ten years later with Gary Bartz taking Rouse's place.

Over time the quartet went beyond the limits of re- impetration to expand their repertoire with new pieces, characterised by certain sounds, rhythms, and colours, but within the ascetics and spirit of Monk.

Available on 180g vinyl, gatefold sleeve, LP-size booklet - individually numbered and deluxe jewel case CD with an extensive booklet.

Charlie Rouse: tenor saxophone
Kenny Barron: piano
Buster Williams: bass
Ben Riley: drums
Recorded in Bologna-Italy November 1985