Brilliant Corners

The jazz quartet Brilliant Corners released its first recording in 1998, more than half a decade after a British rock band with the same name called it quits. The inspiration for the band name in either case is a tune by Thelonious Monk, considered one of his hardest because of tempo changes. On the subject of tune titles, the appetizing "Struttin' With Some Barbequed Tofu" reveals -- at least in its title -- some of the changes in the New Orleans jazz scene over the years. It was written by Brilliant Corners saxophonist Paul DeMarinis. Some members of this band have also recorded in the Dixieland style, including guitarist David W. Black. ~ Eugene Chadbourne