Charles Rouse • 'Two Is One'
Strata-East celebrates 54 years during the 2025 NYC Winter Jazzfest
As many prepare for the Christmas holiday, let me quickly provide one last record review for 2024!
Charles Rouse’s Two is One, released in 1974 on Strata-East Records, is a bold statement from a saxophonist often overshadowed by his long tenure with Thelonious Monk. He played sax from 1959 until 1970 in the Monk Quartet and appeared on at least 24 albums. With this extensive record, Rouse could confidently step into the limelight and showcase his range as a musician and composer. ‘Two As One’ blends post-bop, soul, funk, and avant-garde jazz, creating a sound that feels deeply rooted in Jazz yet also forward-thinking. From the hypnotic grooves of “Bitchin” and “Hopscotch” to the expansive, nearly free-form exploration of the title track, Rouse demonstrates his ability to shift seamlessly between accessible melodies and experimental textures. It was this album that introduced one of my favorite guitarists, Jeff Parker, to Strata-East Records.
What makes Two is One so compelling is the synergy between Rouse and his remarkable ensemble, which includes Martin Rivera and the great Stanley Clarke on bass, David Lee on drums (yes, Spike’s father), Paul Metzke on guitar, Airto Moreira on percussion, and Cali Scott on cello. In the album’s last track, ‘His Presence Searching," Rouse substitutes his tenor sax for the bass clarinet, which sounds great on its more traditional spiritual piece written by David Lee.
NOTE: Strata-East Records does not stream, so this track is taken from a Par-Lo Records sampler on Spotify. It’s as close as we can get!
The album is rich with the energy and ethos of the 1970s jazz scene, striving for individuality, introducing a more spiritual side, and being progressive enough while still grounded in some of the traditional ways. Strata-East’s reputation for uncompromising, artist-driven records adds a layer of significance to the album, highlighting Rouse’s creative freedom. Whether you’re new to Charles Rouse or a longtime admirer, this album is a reminder of his journey beyond the shadow of Thelonious Monk, standing as a vibrant and essential piece of the Strata-East catalog. Fifty years later, many of the label's releases are prime examples of 1970s post-bop, spiritual jazz, and afro-jazz. This is one of the standouts.
The 2025 NYC Winter Jazz Fest is coming soon! All shows are scheduled from January 9 through the 15th in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Tickets are on sale now.
Don't miss a truly legendary night of music at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC on Monday, January 13, 2025, for an unforgettable concert featuring an all-star lineup: Charles Tolliver, Cecil McBee, Billy Hart, Billy Harper, Christian McBride, Aja Monet, Endea Owens, Steve Jordan, Keyon Harrold, Camille Thurman, and more.
More to come. - JB