Thelonious Himself - Monk, Thelonious - LP - Brand New Vinyl (Arrives in 20days)

On 'THELONIOUS HIMSELF,' Thelonious Monk strips away the trappings of ensemble playing, sitting alone at the piano and inviting listeners into the most personal corners of his artistry. This 1957 session is more than a solo recital—it's a window into Monk's creative mind, where every pause, angular chord, and playful run is imbued with intention. The album’s stark intimacy brings out the idiosyncrasies that make Monk a pillar of modern jazz: his daring harmonies, unpredictable rhythms, and the haunting lyricism he carves from the keyboard. While the album is famously solitary, the extended version includes a riveting take on "'Round Midnight" with John Coltrane and Wilbur Ware—an electrifying meeting of jazz visionaries. Yet it’s Monk’s unaccompanied explorations on standards and originals that make this record so vital. For collectors and newcomers alike, 'THELONIOUS HIMSELF' offers an unfiltered encounter with a genius at work, captured with warmth and immediacy. Owning this album means having a front-row seat to one of jazz’s most singular voices, at his most vulnerable and inventive. It’s a cornerstone for any serious jazz collection.