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Essential Works 1952-1962

Essential Works 1952-1962

SKU: V85024 Barcode: 3760300318157
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Format: Vinyl / 12" Album

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  • Released Date: 24 Jun 2022

  • Genre: Jazz

Our Take

Thelonious Monk may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but his unique blend of jazz and bebop has stood the test of time. Essential Works 1952-1962 is a collection that captures the essence of Monk's genius, showcasing his innovative approach to the piano and his unmistakable sense of style.

From the opening notes of "Blue Monk" to the frenetic energy of "Crepuscule With Nellie," this album is a journey through Monk's musical evolution. His unconventional chord progressions and off-kilter rhythms will leave you scratching your head in confusion one minute, and tapping your foot in delight the next.

Monk's playful and enigmatic persona shines through in tracks like "Brilliant Corners" and "Well, You Needn't," where his improvisational skills are on full display. It's impossible not to be drawn in by his infectious energy and sheer joy of making music.

While some may find Monk's eccentricities off-putting, there's no denying the impact he has had on the world of jazz. Essential Works 1952-1962 is a must-listen for any music lover looking to expand their horizons and experience a true musical innovator at work. So go ahead, pour yourself a stiff drink, sit back, and let Thelonious Monk take you on a wild ride through the world of jazz.

Track Listing

Disc: 1
1. Little Rootie Tootie
2. Monk's Dream
4. Hornin' In
5. Bemsha Swing
6. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
7. Round About Midnight
8. I Mean You
9. Epistrophy
10. Misterioso
11. Well, You Needn't
12. April in Paris
13. Straight No Chaser


Disc: 2
1. Caravan
2. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good
3. It Don't Mean a Thing
4. Solitude
5. Blue Monk
6. Straight No Chaser


Disc: 1
3. Sweet and Lovely

Delivery & Returns

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For orders back in stock soon, we expect to receive more stock within a week and will dispatch your order as soon as the stock has arrived.

Returns

We’re happy to accept returns for unwanted items provided that they’re returned within 14 days of receipt, unopened, unused and in perfect condition.

About the artist

Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk, the enigmatic jazz pianist and composer whose unique style defied categorisation, continues to captivate audiences with his unconventional approach to music. With a career spanning over four decades, Monk's influence extends far beyond the confines of traditional jazz, earning him a reputation as one of the genre's most innovative and enduring figures. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1917, Monk began playing the piano at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His early recordings, including the seminal album "Brilliant Corners," showcased his distinctive blend of complex harmonies, rhythmic experimentation, and playful improvisation, setting him apart from his contemporaries. Despite achieving critical acclaim and widespread recognition, Monk remained a somewhat elusive figure, known for his idiosyncratic behaviour and enigmatic persona. His eccentricities only added to his mystique, with stories of his unconventional performance style and quirky sense of humour becoming the stuff of legend. While Monk's music may not always be easily accessible to mainstream audiences, his enduring legacy is undeniable. His compositions, such as "Round Midnight" and "Blue Monk," have become jazz standards beloved by musicians and listeners alike, ensuring that his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. In a musical landscape increasingly dominated by trends and fads, Thelonious Monk stands as a beacon of originality and creativity, reminding us of the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. As Monk himself once said, "The genius is the one most like himself." And in that regard, there will never be another quite like Thelonious Monk.

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