The Unique Thelonious Monk (45rpm-edition) - Plak

ENGLISH

Monk's second album for Riverside continued the label's initial plan - to broaden his audience by the use of recognizable standard tunes instead of his somewhat frightening originals. Thelonious's uncompromising performances, major-league support (Art Blakey and Oscar Pettiford), and strong material helped turn his concept into lastingly superior jazz. Particularly notable are his sharp thrusts of humor. The album's impact was strengthened by one of the most unique covers ever devised. Riverside went so far as to print near-postage-sized Monk stamps, quite a few of which reportedly found their way through the actual mail.