Recorded in late 1964, released in 1965 and produced by Teo Macero, Solo Monk is the 8th album Thelonious Monk released for Columbia Records. As the title implies, this album consists purely of Monk’s solo piano playing. He handles classic Pop standards like “Dinah” and “Sweet And Lovely”, but beautifully executes his own compositions like the bluesy “North Of The Sunset”, “Ruby, My Dear” and “Monk’s Point”. If there is any album to own by Thelonious Monk, Solo Monk is clearly it.

Solo Monk is available on audiophile black vinyl.