The Complete Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the pioneering world of jazz with Thelonious Monk's "The Complete Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection." This compilation brings together all of Monk's 10" LPs recorded for Prestige between 1952 and 1954, offering a comprehensive journey through the early works of one of jazz's most innovative pianists. With a blend of bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz, this album showcases Monk's unique, dissonant style and his groundbreaking contributions to the genre.

Spanning a total of 22 tracks and over an hour and a half of music, the album features a mix of Monk's original compositions and reinterpretations of classic jazz standards. From the playful "Little Rootie Tootie" to the introspective "Reflections," each track highlights Monk's distinctive approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm. The collection also includes notable performances of "Bye-Ya," "Blue Monk," and "Nutty," demonstrating Monk's knack for blending complexity with accessibility.

Originally released on vinyl, this collection has been faithfully restored and remastered, preserving the original 10" LP covers and liner notes. Whether you're a longtime fan of Thelonious Monk or a newcomer to his music, "The Complete Prestige 10-Inch LP Collection" offers an essential look into the formative years of one of jazz's most influential figures. Dive into the rich history and timeless artistry of Thelonious Monk with this definitive compilation.

December 15, 2017

This Compilation ℗ 2017 Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.

About Thelonious Monk

Thelonious Monk, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his distinctive improvisational style and significant contributions to the jazz canon. As one of the founders of modern jazz, Monk's unique approach to rhythm, space, and harmony set him apart, making him the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. His compositions, such as "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", and "Straight, No Chaser", are staples of the genre. Monk's deliberately quirky playing, which often challenges conventional notions of rhythm and harmony, might take some time to appreciate, but his brilliance as a composer and pianist is undeniable. Growing up in New York, Monk began playing piano at the age of five and honed his craft throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on jazz history.