Monk's Music (Mono Remastered 2024) Thelonious Monk Septet

• 1 Abide With Me (Remastered 2024) 00:55
• 2 Well, You Needn't (Remastered 2024) 11:42
• 3 Ruby, My Dear (Remastered 2024) 05:36
• 4 Off Minor (Remastered 2024) 05:10
• 5 Epistrophy (Remastered 2024) 10:47
• 6 Crepuscule With Nellie (Remastered 2024) 04:39
• Total Runtime 38:49

Info for Monk's Music (Mono Remastered 2024)

"Monk’s Music" is a landmark in jazz — easily one of Thelonious Monk’s 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 you’ve 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.”

It’s probably true that Monk’s 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 on Monk’s 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 era’s 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 essential Brilliant Corners, Monk’s Music: Thelonious Monk Septet, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, Thelonious in Action, Misterioso, 5 by Monk by 5 and Quartet Plus Two At The Blackhawk.

"Monk's Music is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk's six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. Although the original disc clocked in at slightly over 30 minutes, packed into that half hour are not only the introduction of a few of Monk's signature compositions, but also some amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Thelonious Monk (piano) during these two recording sessions are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums). The true meaning of the album's title exists beyond just Thelonious, as the opening sacred prelude, "Abide With Me," was written by William H. Monk. This brief piece features only the horn quartet, foreshadowing their importance throughout the album. The angular stride style featured during the chorus of "Well You Needn't" is tackled with the same nimble authority as Monk's completely unfettered solos. If his ability to swing and his utilization of atomic clock accuracy have ever been questioned, the answer lies no further. So utterly free and fantastic, certain passages command immediate review to be fully comprehended. Hearing Coltrane and Hawkins together is admittedly part of the charm in these sides. "Ruby, My Dear" is bathed in the smoky essence of Hawkins' rich textures and Coltrane's playful cat-and-mouse aggression. Blakey gently propels the rhythm, never getting in the way and sporting a serene snare groove throughout. "Off Minor" is largely led by Monk, with solos that follow into and out of the memorable chorus that sparkles with the full involvement of the horn and rhythm sections. The same is true for this definitive version of "Epistrophy" -- perhaps the zenith collaborative effort between Coltrane and Monk. Additionally, Blakey is in top form, with a solo that borders on spastic precision." (Lindsay Planer, AMG)

This reissue features remastered audio from the original master tapes and is available on 192/24 hi res digital.

Thelonious Monk, piano
Coleman Hawkins, tenor saxophone
John Coltrane, tenor saxophone
Ray Copeland, trumpet
Gigi Gryce, alto saxophone
Wilbur Ware, bass
Art Blakey, drums

Engineered by Ray Fowler
Produced by Orrin Keepnews

Digitally remastered

Please note: we do not offer the 192 kHz version. Our analysis did not achieve the necessary frequency response. Reason why we offer 96 kHz

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