Sphere was a premier American jazz supergroup formed in 1982, originally conceived as a tribute to Thelonious Monk. The lineup was formidable: pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Buster Williams, and two of Monk's most vital collaborators, saxophonist Charlie Rouse and drummer Ben Riley.
Their debut, 'Four in One', is a landmark of the neo-traditionalist movement, recorded poignantly on the day of Monk's death. While they began with Monk's compositions, the group evolved into a vehicle for sophisticated original post-bop and standards, showcasing Barron's lyrical virtuosity and Rouse's signature dry, robust tone. Following Rouse's death in 1988, the group went on hiatus, eventually reforming in 1998 with Gary Bartz on saxophone. Critically, Sphere is regarded as a 'musician's band,' praised for their telepathic communication and for bridging the gap between the eccentricities of bebop and the polished clarity of modern acoustic jazz. They remain a touchstone for the preservation of the Monkian aesthetic through a lens of contemporary refinement.
Shares post-bop, cool jazz, contemplative, avant-garde jazz (subgenre)
Shares post-bop, cool jazz, contemplative, avant-garde jazz (signature)
Shares bebop, post-bop, cool jazz, library (subgenre)
Shares post-bop, cool jazz, contemplative, library (signature)
Shares unhurried melodic development, post-bop, cool jazz, contemplative (detail)
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