The Columbia Years: '62-'68 (2001)

About this title: This aptly titled triple-disc compilation examines Thelonious Monk's final years as an active recording artist. The Columbia Years: 1962-1968 is a superior primer for those seeking a thorough overview of this fertile, expressive, and oft-maligned period of Monk's career. In addition to embracing the bright moments from Monk's early- to mid-'60s studio and live releases, compilation producer Orrin Keepnews -- Thelonious' original recording producer during his formidable tenure on the Riverside label -- has included several restored performances and a few previously unissued pieces as well. The ... read more

Tracks:

1. Monk Speaks [Monk]
2. Bye-Ya [Restored Version] [Monk]
3. Coming on the Hudson [Take 3] [Monk]
4. Rhythm-A-Ning [Take 2] [Monk]
5. Think of One [Take 2] [Monk]
6. Pannonica [Take 2] [Monk]
7. Crepuscule With Nellie [Monk]
8. April in Paris [Take 6] [Duke/Harburg]
9. Ugly Beauty [Take 5] [Monk]
10. Honeysuckle Rose [Take 1] [Razaf/Waller]
11. In Walked Bud [Restored Version] [Monk]
12. Thelonious [Take 3] [Monk]
13. Reflections [Take 6] [Monk]
14. Blue Monk [Take 2] [Monk]
15. 'Round Midnight [Take 2] [Hanighen/Monk/Willi]
16. Dinah [Take 2] [Akst/Lewis/Young]
17. Ask Me Now [Take 1] [Monk]
18. Ruby, My Dear [Take 1] [Monk]
19. Don't Blame Me [Live] [Fields/McHugh]
20. (When It's) Darkness on the Delta [Live] [Livingston/Neiburg/]
21. Played Twice [Live] [Monk]
22. I Mean You [Live] [Hawkins/Monk]
23. Bemsha Swing [Live] [Best/Monk]
24. Jackie-Ing [Live] [Monk]
25. Nutty [Live] [Monk]
26. Straight, No Chaser [Live] [Monk]
27. Evidence [Live] [Monk]
28. Epistrophy [Live] [Clarke/Monk]
29. Well, You Needn't [Live] [Monk]
30. Misterioso [Live] [Monk]
31. Hackensack [Live] [Monk]
32. Bright Mississippi [Live] [Monk]

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