Originally released in 1957, this was actually Monk’s second solo piano album, although it was the first to be recorded for an American label (Riverside) and distributed in the States. It captures Monk in a reflective mood, which nearly 70 years after its recording (over two days in April ’57) is still vibrant and powerful. This is the 2025 remaster which has dispensed with the additional bonus cuts which have previously been added to later CD reissues, so we get eight tracks with a running time of 44 minutes. Seven of the songs feature only Monk, but on closer “Monk’s Mood”, he is joined by John Coltrane on tenor saxophone and Wilbur Ware on bass.
The mix of playful runs with the right hand, accompanied often by longer resonating notes from the left, makes for an incredibly powerful album. The remaster has ensured the sound is as close as possible to what Monk was hearing when he was playing, with nothing else added, which allows us to truly revel in the presence of the master. He clearly demonstrates that music is never about just speed and technical ability but the possibilities which emanate from playing certain notes and what they can then lead to. Hugely dynamic, massively emotional, this is an album that contains massive depth and passion, so that even when one thinks he might be getting lost, such as on “Functional”, he finds a way to turn it into something magical.
This is the perfect jazz album in so many ways, and anyone who loves the piano needs to find this remastered version as it is so very important indeed.
Rating: 10/10
Links:
https://www.theloniousmonkmusic.com/
https://craftrecordings.com/