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

With ‘Thelonious Himself,’ Thelonious Monk invites listeners into a rare, unfiltered encounter with his singular genius. This 1957 release is Monk at his most exposed—just piano, no distractions, every nuance and hesitation resonating in the room. It’s an unorthodox masterclass: Monk’s angular phrasing and daring sense of space draw you into a world where every note matters, and silence is as potent as sound. The album’s centerpiece, his solo take on “‘Round Midnight,” distills the essence of the jazz standard he made his own, while his interpretations of classics like “April in Paris” and “Monk’s Mood” show how he could reinvent even the most familiar melodies. The bonus: a riveting trio cut of “Monk’s Mood” with John Coltrane and Wilbur Ware—a legendary moment captured. For collectors and enthusiasts, this album is more than a document; it’s a conversation with Monk himself, at his most candid and searching. Essential listening for anyone captivated by the possibilities of jazz piano, and a must-have for those who want to hear one of the music’s great iconoclasts on his own terms.