What are the necessary Thelonious Monk albums?

Question

I just went and looked at his discography, and that was...intimidating, to say the least. I have no idea where to start! I listen to a lot of Monk's music streaming online, so I really haven't listened to an entire album before, apart from Monk's Blues.

Answer 1

"The Genius of Modern Music" (Volumes 1 and 2) has Monk from the late 40's and gives you many of his standards when they were fairly new.



Of the later albums, I like "Monk's Dream", "Brilliant Corners", and his work with John Coltrane, especially "Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane" and "The Thelonious Monk Quartet with John Coltrane at Carnegie Hall".

Answer 2

It's pretty hard to pick just one album ...

"Thelonious alone in San Francisco" is my personal favorite ( it's a piano solo album ) .

The original tapes of " Thelonious Monk quartet and John Coltrane live at Carnagie Hall" were discovered just recently and that CD is quite good because everybody seems to be in top shape : the version of "Crepuscule with Nellie " is just amazing !

Plus, there are not many recordings of Monk with Coltrane.

Answer 3

I like one called "Brilliant Corners." Sonny Rollins plays on it.



The one with John Coltrane is probably a necessity.



"Thelonious Himself" is a solo piano album.



Don't forget "Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers with Thelonious Monk." That's a legendary album.



Finally, an album called "Underground" is a great Monk album. I believe it's the last album released before his death. It was released in 1968. Although Monk continued to perform through the 70s, his performances decreased substantially, and sadly, the last years of his life were not overly productive, musically.



You also need to see the movie called "Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser."

Answer 4

Monk's Dream is a total classic, you absolutely have to have it. Underground is also another great.



The Monk at Carnegie Hall, with John Coltrane lives up to its reputation.



Brilliant Corners.



Also, Straight No Chaser is a DVD documentary of Monk. Its pretty cool.