Despite various reissue formats over several decades, the seven original LPs contained inThelonious Monk The Riverside Tenor Sessionsstood perfectly well on their own at the time of initial release and remain among the highest achievements of a truly golden age. Recorded and released between 1956 and 1961, these seven Monk combo albums were critical in Monks emergence from a decade of ridicule and neglect to his status at the pinnacle of the jazz pantheon.

Monks Musicis a landmark in jazz easily one of Thelonious Monks greatest albums ever, and a magical crossroads of talents that brings together a variety of jazz traditions! The work is performed by an ambitious Monk septet that includes both Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane on tenor sax and if youve ever doubted the brilliance of Hawk, this is the record to change your mind. The rest of the group is equally great with Ray Copeland on trumpet, Gigi Gryce on alto, Wilbur Ware on bass, and Art Blakey on drums all coming together with Monk to craft a perfect set of tunes that are virtually the definition of modern jazz. Titles include Abide With Me, Off Minor, Crepuscule With Nellie, and Epistrophy.

Its probably true that Monks own ability to translate his ideas into actual piano performance has seldom if ever been at a higher level of skill and clarity than here onMonks Music.In addition to some of his best recorded piano performances and more than two dozen of his profoundly personal compositions, the albums in this reissue series provide an overview of the eras major tenor saxophonists, with contributions by Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse and Harold Land. Max Roach, Art Blakely, Roy Haynes and Thad Jones are among the other jazz immortals featured on the essentialBrilliant Corners,Monks Music: Thelonious Monk Septet,Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane,Thelonious in Action,Misterioso,5 by Monk by 5andQuartet Plus Two At The Blackhawk.

Reissued on 180-gram vinyl by Analogue Productions
Mastered AAA by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tape
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
Stoughton Printing tip-on jacket

Label: Riverside Records, Analogue Productions
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Mono, 180g
Reissued: 2024 / Original Release: 1957
Genre: Jazz
Style: Bop, Hard Bop

File under: Audiophile Jazz