The Unique Thelonious Monk (1956)

About this title: The seven-song Unique Thelonious Monk (1956) platter was the pianist's second during his remarkable five-year tenure on Riverside. His debut for the label was the aptly titled Plays Duke Ellington (1955) and once again, on this disc, Monk's song selection did not feature any original compositions. Rather, the well-chosen standards included exemplify and help further establish the pianist and bandleader within the context of familiar melodies at the head of a trio -- consisting of Oscar Pettiford (bass) and Art Blakey (drums). Regarding the personnel, while Pettiford had also accompanied Monk ... read more

Tracks:

1. Liza (All the Clouds'll Roll Away) [Gershwin/Gershwin]
2. Memories of You [Razaf/Blake]
3. Honeysuckle Rose [Razaf/Waller]
4. Darn That Dream [DeLange/VanHeusen]
5. Tea for Two [Caesar/Youmans]
6. You Are Too Beautiful [Rodgers/Hart]
7. Just You, Just Me [Klages/Greer]

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.