J. R. Monterose (album)

J. R. Monterose is the debut album by American jazz saxophonist J. R. Monterose, recorded on October 21, 1956 and released on Blue Note the following year. The quintet features trumpeter Ira Sullivan and rhythm section Horace Silver, Wilbur Ware and Philly Joe Jones.

Reception
The AllMusic review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine stating, "J. R. Monterose's first session as a leader was a thoroughly enjoyable set of swinging, straight-ahead bop that revealed him as a saxophonist with a knack for powerful, robust leads in the vein of Sonny Rollins and Coleman Hawkins.... In fact, the quality of the music is so strong, J. R. Monterose qualifies as one of the underappreciated gems in Blue Note's mid-'50s catalog."

Musicians

 * J. R. Monterose – tenor saxophone
 * Ira Sullivan – trumpet
 * Horace Silver – piano
 * Wilbur Ware – bass
 * Philly Joe Jones – drums

Technical personnel

 * Alfred Lion – producer
 * Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer
 * Reid Miles – design
 * Francis Wolff – photography
 * Leonard Feather – liner notes