Despite various reissue formats over several decades, the seven original LPs contained in Thelonious Monk - The Riverside Tenor Sessions stood 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 Monk's emergence from a decade of ridicule and neglect to his status at the pinnacle of the jazz pantheon.
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."