“Monk's Music”, recorded in 1957, is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk's six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. It features amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Monk (piano) are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums).
Hearing Coltrane and Hawkins together is admittedly part of the charm in these sides. Monk's horns-rich arrangements, and the quality of the soloists to hand, has made “Monk's Music” a well-loved and important part of Monk's canon.
Thelonious Monk
Monk’s Music
Recorded in 1957, released in 1958
CD / 2006 / Remastered / 320Kbps
Tracklist:
1. Abide With Me
2. Well, You Needn't
3. Ruby, My Dear
4. Off Minor (Take 5)
5. Off Minor (Take 4) [#]
6. Epistrophy
7. Crepuscule With Nellie (Take 6)
8. Crepuscule With Nellie (Takes 4 And 5) [#]
Recorded in New York on June 26, 1957
Personnel:
Thelonious Monk - piano
John Coltrane - tenor saxophone
Coleman Hawkins - tenor saxophone
Gigi Gryce - alto saxophone
Ray Copeland - trumpet
Wilbur Ware - double bass
Art Blakey - drums
Thelonious Monk / Monk’s Music / 1958