Genius of Modern Music (CD)

2-CD SET - 4 PANEL DIGIPACK

Although there are some earlier informal testimonies of Thelonious Monk’s playing, his recording career truly started when he began working for Alfred Lion’s Blue Note label in 1947. The Blue Note dates, containing the earliest versions of Monk’s most brilliant compositions, appeared on the albums Genius of Modern Music Vol.1 & Vol.2 (Blue Note BLP-1510/1511).

This release brings together Monk’s master takes from all of his Blue Note sessions, also including two extended tunes from a 1957 Sonny Rollins date. A magnificent 1955 quartet date coled by Monk and alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce, and four unaccompanied piano versions by Monk of compositions he had first recorded for Blue Note, have been added as a bonus.

THELONIOUS MONK, PIANO ON ALL TRACKS, PLUS:

COLLECTIVE PERSONNEL:

• Sahib Shihab, Lou Donaldson (as),
• Lucky Thompson, Sonny Rollins (ts)
• Kenny Dorham, Idrees Sulieman (tp),
• Milt Jackson (vibes), Gene Ramey Paul Chambers (b),
• Art Blakey, Max Roach (d), among others.

Recorded in New York between 1947 and 1957."

BONUS TRACKS (CD 2, 11-14):

• i Gryce (as), Thelonious Monk (p),
• Percy Heath (b), Art Blakey (d). New York, October 15, 1955.