Charlie Rouse

Charlie Rouse was a masterful saxophonist whose distinctive tone and fluid bop-oriented style made him a vital yet often underappreciated figure in jazz. Best known for his decade-long role in Thelonious Monk's Quartet (1959–1970), Rouse was a key collaborator in shaping Monk's innovative sound. Before joining Monk, Rouse built an impressive résumé, playing with luminaries like Billy Eckstine, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Clifford Brown, and co-leading The Jazz Modes with Julius Watkins from 1956 to 1959.

RELEASES

Two Is One (1974)

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RELEASES

In partnership with Mack Avenue Music Group, these releases have been lovingly restored with remastered audio transferred directly from the original analog tapes.

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Two Is One (1974)

Charlie Rouse’s groundbreaking album Two Is One is a funk-infused exploration of jazz that embodies the innovative spirit of Strata-East Records. Originally recorded in 1974 and transferred from the original analog tapes, Two Is One fuses sophisticated soul jazz with post-bop and spiritual influences while highlighting stellar collaborations with guitarists George Davis and Paul Metzke, Cal Scott on electrified cello, and the incomparable Stanley Clarke on electric bass.

For the first time ever, this classic from a saxophone legend will be available on CD and digital platforms, as well as on 180-gram vinyl. Pressed at Record Technology Inc. (RTI) and mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, the vinyl edition comes in high-quality, glossy tip-on gatefold jackets. It also includes new liner notes by Syd Schwartz and never-before-seen photos, making this release a must-have for jazz enthusiasts and collectors alike.