1 1

Thelonious Monk

The Absolutely Essential 3CD Collection

The Absolutely Essential 3CD Collection

SKU: CD5009 Barcode: 0805520130509
£6.99
£6.99
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Split into 3 interest-free payments on purchases over £30
T&C Apply. Credit subject to status.
Make 3 interest-free payments. Available for orders over £30.
T&C Apply. Credit subject to status.

Format: CD / Album

View full details

  • Released Date: 19 Sep 2011

  • Genre: Jazz

Our Take

Thelonious Monk, the enigmatic jazz genius. The man who tickled the ivories like no other. His latest album, "The Absolutely Essential," is a veritable tour de force of bebop brilliance.

From the moment the needle hits the groove, you're transported to a smoky, dimly lit jazz club where Monk is holding court with his band of merry men. The piano playing is nothing short of sublime, each note a delicate dance between chaos and order.

The album kicks off with the toe-tapping "Well, You Needn't," a jaunty number that immediately sets the tone for what's to come. Monk's virtuosity shines through on tracks like "Blue Monk" and "Ruby, My Dear," displaying his ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with raw emotion.

But it's not just Monk who steals the show. His bandmates, including the likes of Charlie Rouse and Art Taylor, provide the perfect backdrop for his musical musings. The interplay between the musicians is effortless, each one pushing the other to even greater heights of creativity.

Overall, "The Absolutely Essential" is a must-listen for any jazz aficionado. It's a timeless classic that showcases Monk at the peak of his powers. So grab a glass of your finest bourbon, sit back, and let the melodic magic wash over you. Monk would have wanted it that way.

Track Listing
Disc: 1
1. Humph
2. Thelonious
3. Ruby My Dear
4. Well You Needn't
5. Introspection
6. Off Minor
7. In Walked Bud
8. Monk's Mood
9. Who Knows
10. 'Round About Midnight
11. Evidence
12. Misterioso
13. Epistrophy
14. I Mean You
15. Four in One
16. Criss Cross
17. Straight No Chaser
18. Eronel
19. Ask Me Now
20. Skippy


Disc: 2
1. Hornin' In
2. Let's Cool One
3. Little Rootie Tootie
4. Bye-ya
5. Monk's Dream
6. Trinkle, Tinkle
7. Bemsha Swing
8. Reflections
9. Let's Call This
10. Think of One
11. Friday the 13th
12. Wee See
13. Locomotive
14. Hackensack
15. Work


Disc: 3
1. Nutty
2. Blue Monk
3. Monk's Mood
4. Epistrophy
5. Crepuscule With Nellie
6. Well You Needn't
7. Off Minor
8. Light Blue
9. Rhythm-a-ning
10. Worry Later (San Francisco Holiday)

Delivery & Returns

Delivery 

FREE UK delivery on orders over £20.

Orders under £20 - £2.99 Postage Fee.

Next Day Delivery and International Shipping Options Available.

When Will My Order Arrive?

Usually dispatched within 24 hours.

Standard Delivery is a Royal Mail Tracked 48 Service and usually arrives within 2-3 working days, including Saturdays.

Express Delivery is either Royal Mail Tracked 24, or DPD service, for delivery within 24 hours.

Order before 2pm for next day delivery.

We’ll aim to dispatch pre-orders so that you receive them on the release date.

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.

From the same artist

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.

More about the artist >

You may also like