THELONIOUS MONK: Jazz Profile #24 (Blue Note)

There seems to be a wealth of Thelonious Monk material in the racks these days. If you're just discovering Monk's music, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. The best way to get started is to pick up one of the many greatest hits collections. You just have to decide which period of the music you want to start with--whether it's the early years (Blue Note), the middle years (Prestige/Riverside) or the later years (Columbia). If you're looking for the early material, check out Blue Note's Jazz Profile series.

The selections on the Jazz Profile disc are shorter and more concise than what appeared in later years. Most tracks are under four minutes long. These are the originals, and to many, the most enjoyable. From the pianist's earliest track, "Humph," through to the legendary live quartet recordings with John Coltrane, this disc gives you an excellent selection of one of jazz's true legends, Thelonious Monk.

TRACK LIST:

Humph * Ruby My Dear * Well You Needn't * April in Paris * Off Minor * In Walked Bud * Monk's Mood * 'Round Midnight * Criss Cross * Straight No Chaser * Ask Me Now * Carolina Moon * let's Cool One * Crepescule With Nellie (live) * Epistrophy (live)