Four in One is a composition by Thelonious Monk. It was first recorded in 1951 for the Genius of Modern Music sessions and released in 1952. The tune is a 32-bar AABA piece and a contrafact of Five Foot Two. It has inspired notable albums titled Four in One, including Sphere’s 1982 jazz tribute Four in One with Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Ben Riley and Charlie Rouse recorded at Van Gelder Studio for Elektra/Musician; and Sonny Fortune’s 1994 Blue Note album Four in One which features Monk compositions performed by Fortune with Kirk Lightsey, Santi Debriano, Buster Williams and others. Sphere’s session was recorded on the day of Monk’s death, though not planned as a memorial. The tune remains a staple of the jazz repertoire.
