THELONIOUS MONK SEPTET - Monk's Music (1957) Two Version (1986, RM | MONO | Riverside CD Masterpiece Series – 6) + (2011, RM | Serie Original Jazz Classics Remasters) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Monk's Music is often cited as one of the focal points of Thelonious Monk's six-year affiliation (1955-1961) with the Riverside label. Although the original disc clocked in at slightly over 30 minutes, packed into that half hour are not only the introduction of a few of Monk's signature compositions, but also some amazing interactions from the assembled ensemble. Joining Thelonious Monk (piano) during these two recording sessions are Ray Copeland (trumpet), Gigi Gryce (alto sax), Coleman Hawkins (tenor sax), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Wilbur Ware (bass), and Art Blakey (drums). The true meaning of the album's title exists beyond just Thelonious, as the opening sacred prelude, "Abide With Me," was written by William H. Monk. This brief piece features only the horn quartet, foreshadowing their importance throughout the album. The angular stride style featured during the chorus of "Well You Needn't" is tackled with the same nimble authority as Monk's completely unfettered solos. If his ability to swing and his utilization of atomic clock accuracy have ever been questioned, the answer lies no further. So utterly free and fantastic, certain passages command immediate review to be fully comprehended. Hearing Coltrane and Hawkins together is admittedly part of the charm in these sides. "Ruby, My Dear" is bathed in the smoky essence of Hawkins' rich textures and Coltrane's playful cat-and-mouse aggression. Blakey gently propels the rhythm, never getting in the way and sporting a serene snare groove throughout. "Off Minor" is largely led by Monk, with solos that follow into and out of the memorable chorus that sparkles with the full involvement of the horn and rhythm sections. The same is true for this definitive version of "Epistrophy" -- perhaps the zenith collaborative effort between Coltrane and Monk. AdAdditionally, Blakey is in top form, with a solo that borders on spastic precision. Lindsay Planer
Tracklist :
1    Abide with Me 0:55    
Henry Francis Lyte / Thelonious Monk
2    Well, You Needn't 11:27
Thelonious Monk
3    Ruby, My Dear 5:28    
Thelonious Monk
4    Off Minor (Take 5) 5:11    
Thelonious Monk
5    Epistrophy  10:48
Kenny Clarke / Thelonious Monk
6    Crepuscule with Nellie (Take 6) 4:40    
Thelonious Monk
– BONUS TRACK –
7    Off Minor (Take 4) 5:15    
Thelonious Monk
 8    Crepuscule with Nellie (Take 4 & 5) 4:44
Thelonious Monk
9    Blues For Tomorrow    13:33
Credits :
Trumpet – Ray Copeland
Alto Saxophone – Gigi Gryce
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Thelonious Monk
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane

CHARLIE PARKER | DIZZY GILLESPIE — Bird & Dizzy (1952-1997) RM | Verve Master Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 This collection of 78 rpm singles, all recorded on June 6, 1950, was released in 1956. Several things distinguish this from numerous other quintet recordings featuring these two bebop pioneers. It was recorded during the period that Parker was working under the aegis of producer Norman Granz, whose preference for large and unusual ensembles was notorious. The end result in this case is a date that sounds very much like those that Parker and Gillespie recorded for Savoy and Dial, except with top-of-the-line production quality. Even more interesting, though, is Parker's choice of Thelonious Monk as pianist. Unfortunately, Monk is buried in the mix and gets very little solo space, so his highly idiosyncratic genius doesn't get much exposure here. Still, this is an outstanding album -- there are fine versions of Parker standards like "Leap Frog," "Mohawk," and "Relaxin' with Lee," as well as a burning performance of "Bloomdido" and twjo interesting (if not entirely thrilling) renditions of the chestnut "My Melancholy Baby."  Rick Anderson   Tracklist + Credits :

THELONIOUS MONK – 1947-1948 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1118 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 The first recordings ever issued under Thelonious Monk's name are presented as volume one in the Classics Thelonious Monk chronology. Although he'd been an active catalyst on the jazz scene for many years it wasn't until the autumn of 1947 that Monk was able to begin making records as a leader. These 20 Blue Note sides are uniformly excellent; each of the pianist's original compositions would soon begin to form a musical canon of strikingly creative works that would completely transform the ways in which jazz was conceived, structured, played, received and understood. During this period, Monk's groups included such vital players as Milt Jackson, Art Blakey, Shadow Wilson, Gene Ramey, Idrees Sulieman, Sahib Shihab and Ike Quebec's cousin Danny Quebec West. Monk's quartet session of July 2, 1948 features two pleasant vocals by Kenny "Pancho" Hagood. Note that "Evidence," based upon the chord progressions of "Just You, Just Me," was originally titled "Just Us." Legend has it that after he realized that the recording engineer had mistakenly written down "Justice," Monk decided that if he was going to court he'd be sure and bring along the Evidence. arwulf arwulf      Tracklist :

THELONIOUS MONK – 1951-1952 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1430 (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During a three year period following his Blue Note session of July 2, 1948, Thelonious Monk made no studio recordings as a leader. This second installment in the complete recordings of Monk as reissued in the Classics Chronological Series presents the master takes from Monk's Blue Note and Prestige sessions dating from July 23, 1951 through December 18, 1952. This portion of Monk's discography is a rich blend of 15 original compositions and five jazz standards, performed in the company of skilled improvisers like vibraphonist Milt Jackson, trumpeter Kenny Dorham, and saxophonists Lou Donaldson, Sahib Shihab, and Lucky Thompson. Monk's bassists during this 17-month period were Al McKibbon, Nelson Boyd, and Gary Mapp. His drummers were Art Blakey and Max Roach. Monk would continue to record for Prestige until September 1954; his fruitful working relationship with Riverside would commence in July 1955. By concentrating on master takes and combining the all too often separated selections from the Blue Note and Prestige catalogs, Classics has once again done a splendid job of reissuing great historic jazz recordings with a detailed disocgraphical session index and insightful liner notes that will enable the listener to better understand and fully enjoy this great music. arwulf arwulf       Tracklist :

CHARLIE PARKER – 1950 | The Chronogical Classics – 1222 (2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here in the 21st century, listeners are fortunate to be able to digest Charlie Parker's complete studio master takes in chronological order. Unlike most previous compilations, this series is not limited by original label licensing. The exact sequential evolution of Bird's turbulent career is neatly laid out regardless of the crossover from Dial to Savoy to Mercury and so forth. It just so happens that the fourth installment in the Classics Charlie Parker chronology documents a portion of a period in Bird's life when he was able (or chose) to stick with one record company. Stretching out in Norman Granz territory, this segment of history opens with three meaty selections recorded in March of 1950. Backed by Hank Jones, Ray Brown, and Buddy Rich, Bird blows an exquisite couple of ballads and a brisk modern expansion on the "Blues." This set a precedent for John Coltrane's later excursions (i.e., "Bessie's Blues"), similarly modern adventures that were nevertheless directly connected to the very taproots of the jazz tradition. Heard in direct succession, the opening tracks feel like a warm-up for a Bird and Diz reunion session recorded three months later with Thelonious Monk, Curly Russell, and Buddy Rich. For all of the excitement inherent in this rowdy bopped-out blowing session, the real gem is their comparatively relaxed and brilliantly executed rendering of "My Melancholy Baby." Tracks ten through 22 feature Charlie Parker with Strings, a lovely artistic experiment that allowed Bird to sail at will over some very pretty chamber ensemble accompaniment. Anyone who experiences a knee-jerk reaction to the string ensemble needs to cool off and simply focus on the saxophone and jazz rhythm section. This is not Muzak; the formula was never merely Bird with Squares. Over the course of two different "Strings" sessions, the real jazz players behind Bird were Bernie Leighton, Ray Brown, Buddy Rich, Al Haig, Tommy Potter, and Roy Haynes. arwulf arwulf          Tracklist + Credits :

LOU DONALDSON - Complete 1952 Blue Note Sessions (1952-2002) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Tahiti 3'29
Milt Jackson
2    Lillie 3'15
Milt Jackson
3    Bag's Groove 3'04
Milt Jackson
4    What's New 3'12
Haggart-Burke
5    Don't Get Around Much Anymore 2'59
Ellington / Russell
6    On The Scene 2'43
Lou Donaldson
7    Skippy 3'02
T. Monk
8    Hornin' In 3'15
T. Monk
9    Sixteen 3'39
T. Monk
10    Carolina Moon 3'28
Davis / Burke
11    Let's Cool One 3'48
T. Monk
12    I'll Follow You 3'48
Turk / Ahlert
13    Roccus 3'24
H. Silver
14    The Things We Did Last Summer 3'20
Styne / Cahn
15    Cheek To Cheek 3'01
I. Berlin
16    Lou's Blues 3'44
Lou Donaldson
17    Sweet Juice 3'29
H. Silver
18    If I Love Again 2'38
Murray / Oakland
19    Down Home 3'19
Lou Donaldson
20    The Best Things In Life Are Free 3'22
De Sylva / Brown / Henderson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson with
1-6
Bass – Percy Heath
Vibes - Milt Jackson
Piano - John Lewis
Drums – Kenny Clark
7-12
Trumpet - Kenny Dorham
Tenor Sax - Lucky Thompson
Piano - Thelonious Monk
Bass - Nelson Boyd
Drums - Max Roach
13-16
Piano - Horace Silver
Bass - Gene Ramey
Drums - Art Taylor
17-20
Trumpet - Blue Mitchell (except on # 17)
Piano - Horace Silver
Bass - Percy Heath
Drums - Art Blakey

COLEMAN HAWKINS – 1944-1945 | The Classics Chronological Series – 863 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Some of Hawkins' best combo work was cut during the '40s. Having returned from an extended European stay, Hawkins fell in with his old swing pals and also headed up quite a few outfits with emerging beboppers. This Classics disc reveals the contrasting mix with 23 sides featuring the tenor great with the likes of both swing trumpeter Charlie Shavers and bop iconoclast Thelonious Monk. The four Monk tracks, while not especially revealing, do contain some fine playing, especially on "Recollections" and "Drifting on a Reed." In addition to several quality performances with Shavers, the program also includes four excellent bluesy ballads featuring Hawkins with Buck Clayton, Teddy Wilson, Slam Stewart, and Denzil Best. And for early jump blues fans, there's even a clutch of numbers by Hawkins and Walter Thomas & His Jump Cats ("Lookout Jack!"). Lookout, indeed. Stephen Cook
Tracklist :
1     All the Things You Are 2:58
Jerome Kern    
2     Step on It 3:08     
Unknown Artist    
3     Riding on 52nd Street 2:51    
Unknown Artist    
4     Memories of You 2:57
Eubie Blake / Andy Razaf    
5     Out to Lunch 2:54
Jimmy Davis / Joe Davis / Walter Thomas    
6     In the Hush of the Night 2:57
Dorsey, Davis, Dorsey
7     Look Out Jack! 2:47
Jimmy Davis / Irene Higginbotham    
8     Every Man for Himself 2:52
Jimmy Davis / Walter Thomas    
9     I'm Yours 3:29
Johnny Green / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg    
10     Under a Blanket of Blue 3:10
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes    
11     Beyond the Blue Horizon 2:58
W. Frank Harling / Richard A. Whiting    
12     A Shanty in Old Shanty Town 2:58
Jack Little / Little Jack Little / John Siras / Joe Young / Joseph Young    
13     My Man 3:14
Jacques Charles / Channing Pollack / Albert Willemetz / Maurice Yvain    
14     El Salon de Gutbucket 2:59
Charlie Shavers    
15     Embraceable You 3:02
George Gershwin    
16     Undecided 3:05     
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers    
17     Recollections 2:54
Walter Thomas    
18     Drifiting on a Reed 3:04
Charlie Parker    
19     Flyin' Hawk 2:50
Walter Thomas    
20     On the Bean 2:41
Walter Thomas    
21     Sportsman's Hop 3:00     
Sir Charles Thompson    
22     Bean Stalking 3:08
Coleman Hawkins / Erskine Hawkins    
23     Ready for Love 2:59
Howard McGhee   

COLEMAN HAWKINS - The Bebop Years (2011) 4xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Covering a period from 1939-1949, The Bebop Years profiles Hawkins during the days of combo swing and bebop. That the tenor great sounds at home in both settings here is testament to his great flexibility and intellect as a player. Proper pays its respects with four discs and a lavish booklet sporting a detailed discography, extensive notes, and rare photos. The quality rarely dips as Hawkins is heard making history on his 1939 take of "Body and Soul," cutting a wealth of 1944 gems for Keynote, rubbing shoulders with young beboppers like Dizzy Gillespie and Monk, and waxing nostalgic with the Metronome All-Stars. An amazing document befitting a master in his prime. Stephen Cook
Tracklist 1 :
1     Body and Soul
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
2     Dinah 2'45
Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young
3     When Day Is Done 3'16
Buddy DeSylva / Robert Katscher
4     Smack 2'41
Leonard Feather
5     I Surrender, Dear 4'40
Harry Barris / Gordon Clifford
6     I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me 4'15
Clarence Gaskill / Jimmy McHugh
7     Dedication 3'12
Leonard Feather
8     Rocky Comfort 3'14
Coleman Hawkins
9     One O'Clock Jump 3'28
Count Basie
10     9-20 Special 3'10
William Engvick / Earle Warren
11     Feedin' the Bean 3'15
Count Basie
12     Esquire Bounce 3'16
Leonard Feather
13     My Ideal 3'09
Newell Chase / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
14     Voodte 3'06
Coleman Hawkins / Oscar Pettiford
15     How Deep Is the Ocean? 3'24
Irving Berlin
16     Hawkins Barrel House 2'57
Coleman Hawkins
17     Stumpy 3'19
Coleman Hawkins
18     Lover, Come Back to Me 3'04
Frank DeVol / Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg / Alan Spilton
19     Blues Changes 4'10
Coleman Hawkins
20     Crazy Rhythm 3'15
Irving Caesar / Roger Wolfe Kahn / Joseph Meyer
21     Get Happy 3'24
Harold Arlen / Ted Koehler
22     The Man I Love 5'07
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Tracklist 2 :
1     Sweet Lorraine 4'19
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish
2     My Ideal 3'24
Newell Chase / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
3     I Only Have Eyes for You 3'11
Al Dubin / Harry Warren
4     'S Wonderful 2'38
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5     I'm in the Mood for Love 3'13
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
6     "Bean" at the Met 3'01
Coleman Hawkins
7     Woody 'N You 3'00
Dizzy Gillespie
8     Bu-Dee-Daht 3'12
Charlie Hart / Budd Johnson
9     Yesterdays 2'56
Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern
10     Flame Thrower 3'15
Coleman Hawkins
11     Imagination 2'48
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
12     Night and Day 3'19
Cole Porter
13     Cattin' at Keynote 2'41
Harry Lim
14     Disorder at the Border 2'57
Coleman Hawkins
15     Feeling Zero 2'58
Coleman Hawkins
16     Rainbow Mist 2'58
Coleman Hawkins
17     Blue Moon 4'35
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
18     Father Co-Operates 4'50
Trummy Young
19     Just One More Chance 4'55
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
20     Through for the Night 4'44
Trummy Young
21     On the Sunny Side of the Street 4'44
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
22     Three Little Words 4'46
Bert Kalmar / Harry Ruby
Tracklist 3 :     
1     Battle of the Saxes 4'37
Coleman Hawkins
2     Louise 4'54
Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
3     Pick-Up Boys 3'01
Leonard Feather
4     Porgy 3'02
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
5     Uptown Lullaby 3'19
Leonard Feather
6     Salt Peanuts 2'55
Kenny Clarke / Dizzy Gillespie
7     Make Believe 4'43
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
8     Don't Blame Me 4'51
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
9     Just One of Those Things 4'31
Cole Porter
10     Hallelujah 3'58
Clifford Grey / Leo Robin / Vincent Youmans
11     Stompin' at the Savoy 2'44
Benny Goodman / Benny Goodman & His Orchestra / Andy Razaf / Edgar Sampson / Chick Webb
12     On the Sunny Side of the Street 3'03
Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh
13     All the Things You Are 2'56
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
14     Every Man for Himself 2'50
Jimmy Davis / Walter Thomas
15     Look Out Jack! 2'45
Jimmy Davis / Irene Higginbotham
16     Under a Blanket of Blue 3'07
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
17     El Salon de Gutbucket 2'59
Charlie Shavers
18     Undecided 2'53
Sydney Robin / Charlie Shavers
19     Recollections 2'53
Walter Thomas
20     Drifting on a Reed 3'04
Charlie Parker / Walter Thomas
21     Flyin' Hawk 2'49
Walter Thomas
22     On the Bean 2'41
Coleman Hawkins / Walter Thomas
23     Hawk's Variations, Pts. 1 & 2 4'40
Coleman Hawkins
Tracklist 4 :     
1     April in Paris 2'57
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
2     Rifftide 2'56
Coleman Hawkins
3     Stuffy 3'03
Coleman Hawkins
4     What Is There to Say? 3'20
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
5     Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) 3'07
Harry Barris / Ted Koehler / Billy Moll
6     Bean Soup 3'06
Coleman Hawkins
7     It's the Talk of the Town 3'06
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
8     Say It Isn't So 3'01
Irving Berlin
9     I Can't Get Started 9'05
Vernon Duke / Ira Gershwin
10     Cocktails for Two 3'06
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
11     Sweet Lorraine 3'16
Clifford R. Burwell / Mitchell Parish
12     Nat Meets June 3'20
Mergentroid, R.
13     How High the Moon 10'13
Nancy Hamilton / Morgan Lewis
14     Bean-A-Re-Bop 2'35
Coleman Hawkins / Hank Jones
15     Isn't It Romantic? 3'05
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
16     The Way You Look Tonight 2'49
Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
17     Phantomesque 2'58
Coleman Hawkins
18     Angel Face 3'15
Coleman Hawkins / Victor Herbert / Hank Jones
19     Picasso 3'16
Coleman Hawkins
20     It's Only a Paper Moon 3'04
Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Billy Rose
21     Bah-U-Bah 3'21 

All Credits

GERRY MULLIGAN & THELONIOUS MONK - Mulligan Meets Monk (1957-1987) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Mulligan Meets Monk documents the 1957 meeting of two sharp musical minds. Though the pairing may seem unlikely, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan -- whose cool, West Coast style blends dexterity with laid-back grace -- and Thelonious Monk -- whose radical, angular piano playing and thoroughly modern compositions are blueprints for the possibilities of bop -- sound remarkable together. In fact, it is the contrast between the players' styles that lends this set its balance and appeal. The program, which includes four compositions by Monk and one by Mulligan, is unassailable. Mulligan acquits himself admirably on the Monk classics "'Round Midnight," "Rhythm-a-ning," and "Straight, No Chaser," unfurling his smooth tone over their zigzagging melodies and ambitious scalar architecture. Mulligan's "Decidedly," a bright bop workout, fits easily alongside Monk's tunes, especially with the help of Monk's off-kilter, accented comping. Bassist Wilbur Ware and drummer Shadow Wilson lend solid support to the spirited playing of the two leaders, making this top-notch session -- with its great tunes, chemistry, and soloing -- a true classic. [Some reissues include a handful of alternate takes.] by Anthony Tognazzini
Tracklist
1. 'Round Midnight 8:29
Bernie Hanighen / Thelonious Monk / Cootie Williams
2. Rhythm-A-Ning 5:20
Thelonious Monk
3. Sweet And Lovely 7:17
Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare (Chas. N. Daniels) / Harry Tobias
4. Decidedly (Take 4) 5:54
Gerry Mulligan
5. Decidedly (Take 5) 6:38
Gerry Mulligan
6. Straight, No Chaser (Take 3) 7:00
Thelonious Monk
7. Straight, No Chaser (Take 1) 5:30
Thelonious Monk
8. I Mean You (Take 4) 6:53
Coleman Hawkins / Thelonious Monk
9. I Mean You (Take 2) 6:31
Coleman Hawkins / Thelonious Monk
Credits
Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan
Bass – Wilbur Ware
Drums – Shadow Wilson
Piano – Thelonious Monk

SONNY ROLLINS - Sonny Rollins, Vol. 2 (1957-2010) RM / MONO / SACD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Sonny Rollins, Vol. 2, recorded for Blue Note, is a timeless session and a milestone in jazz history that gathered together some of the founding fathers of the post-bop era. Joining Rollins are Jazz Messengers Art Blakey on drums and Horace Silver on piano, Miles Davis' favorite bassist Paul Chambers, the quintessential trombonist J.J. Johnson, and even Thelonious Monk himself. The tour de force in swing begins with a bang and doesn't let up until the last note has faded away. Rollins' own uptempo "Why Don't I" kicks off the session with a rhythmic jolt before his big tenor launches into a classic swinging solo followed by turns from Johnson and Silver and some heated exchanges with Blakey. The aptly titled "Wail March" begins deceptively with a street-beat groove before careening into several blistering solo choruses. Monk sits in for his own "Misterioso" and "Reflections," two quintessential works from this eccentric master that are given excellent readings here. The bouncing "You Stepped Out of a Dream" provides some tasty interaction between Rollins and Johnson. Finally, the lilting "Poor Butterfly" is a nice bluesy ending to this all-star session. AllMusic 
Tracklist:
1 Why Don't I 5:42
Sonny Rollins
2 Wail March 6:09
Sonny Rollins
3 Misterioso 9:22
Thelonious Monk
4 Reflections 7:01
Thelonious Monk
5 You Stepped Out of a Dream 6:22
Nacio Herb Brown / Gus Kahn
6 Poor Butterfly 6:05
John Golden / Raymond Hubbell
Credits:
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Horace Silver, Thelonious Monk
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Sonny Rollins
Trombone – Jay Jay Johnson

THELONIOUS MONK WITH JOHN COLTRANE — The Complete 1957 Riverside Recordings (2006) 2CD | APE (image+.cue), lossless

Hardcore jazzheads with no doubt be delighted with this double-disc set that includes all the recordings Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane did together in 1957 for Riverside. Never mind that the vast majority of this material has been issued several times. There are two cuts that have never appeared before: an alternate of "Crepuscule with Nellie" from the septet sessions for Monk's Music on June 25 and 26 ( with Gigi Gryce, Coleman Hawkins, bassist Wilbur Ware, and drummer Shadow Wilson), and an alternate of "Abide with Me" with just Trane, Hawkins, and Gryce. There are also two tracks -- one of them a false start with Ware and Coltrane -- of "Monk's Mood," recorded on April 12 for inclusion on the otherwise solo Thelonious Himself album. The remaining three cuts with Ware, Wilson, and Coltrane were taken form the At the Five Spot live recording. Orrin Keepnews compiled this collection and wrote a wonderful and insightful essay about recording this music. It was all arranged chronologically, meaning there are no less than five takes in total of "Crepuscule with Nellie" taking up the vast majority of disc one. For those who have to have absolutely everything.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist 1 :
1    Monk's Mood [False Start] 0:55  
Thelonious Monk
2    Monk's Mood 7:52
Thelonious Monk
3    Crepuscule with Nellie [Take 1] 4:35
Thelonious Monk
4    Crepuscule with Nellie [Take 2] 4:43  
Thelonious Monk
5    Crepuscule with Nellie [Breakdown] 0:55  
Thelonious Monk
6    Blues for Tomorrow [first stereo release] 13:34 
Gigi Gryce
7    Crepuscule with Nellie [Takes 4 & 5] 4:47 
Thelonious Monk
8    Crepuscle with Nellie 4:39  
Thelonious Monk
9    Off Minor [Take 4] 5:16 
Thelonious Monk
10    Off Minor [Take 5] 5:10  
Thelonious Monk
Tracklist 2 :
1    Abide with Me [Take 1] 0:54 
Thelonious Monk / William Henry Monk
2    Abide with Me 0:55  
Thelonious Monk / William Henry Monk
3    Epistrophy [Alternate take] 3:09  
Kenny Clarke / Thelonious Monk
4    Epistrophy 10:47  
Kenny Clarke / Thelonious Monk
5    Well You Needn't [Opening] 1:26   
Thelonious Monk
6    Well You Needn't 11:24     
Thelonious Monk
7    Ruby, My Dear 5:26  
Thelonious Monk
8    Ruby, My Dear [with John Coltrane] 6:21
Thelonious Monk
9    Nutty 6:38  
Thelonious Monk
10    Trinkle, Tinkle  6:42
Thelonious Monk
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Gigi Gryce (tracks: 1-3 to 2-7)
Double Bass – Wilbur Ware (tracks: 1-1 to 1-10, 2-3 to 2-10)
Drums – Art Blakey (tracks: 1-3 to 1-10, 2-3 to 2-7), Shadow Wilson (tracks: 2-8 to 2-10)
Piano – Thelonious Monk
Producer, Compiled By – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins (tracks: 1-3 to 2-7), John Coltrane
Trumpet – Ray Copeland (tracks: 1-3 to 2-7)
Written-By – Thelonious Monk (tracks: 1-1 to 1-5, 1-7 to 1-10, 2-3 to 2-10)
Note:
Tracks 1-1 and 1-2 recorded April 12 1957 (Trio)
Tracks 1-3 to 1-6 recorded June 25th 1957 (Septet)
Tracks 1-7 to 2-7 recorded June 26th 1957 (Septet)
Tracks 2-8 to 2-10 recorded July 1957 (Quartet)

THELONIOUS MONK - The Complete Albums Collection: 1954-1957 (2015) 5CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This five disc collection contains some of the most important recordings of Monk’s career; from his very earliest Bluenote sessions to the startling compositions that have become all-time classics. Featuring nine original and now legendary albums in total, the music showcased within perfectly displays the rapid progress of Thelonious Monk’s natural talents as a writer, performer and bandleader, leaving no doubt as to how he came to achieve the revered status he still maintains to this day.
Tracklist:
CD1
Genius of Modern Music Vol.1 (1956)
01. 'Round About Midnight (3:12)
02. Off Minor (3:02)
03. Ruby, My Dear (3:08)
04. I Mean You (2:45)
05. April in Paris (3:21)
06. In Walked Bud (2:57)
07. Thelonious (3:01)
08. Epistrophy (3:06)
09. Misterioso (3:21)
10. Well You Needn't (2:58)
11. Introspection (3:13)
12. Humph (2:53)
Genius of Modern Music Vol.2 (1956)
13. Carolina Moon (3:29)
14. Hornin' In (3:15)
15. Skippy (3:02)
16. Let's Cool One (3:50)
17. Suburban Eyes (3:01)
18. Evonce (3:05)
19. Straight, No Chaser (3:00)
20. Four in One (3:32)
21. Nice Work (3:04)
22. Monk's Mood (3:08)
23. Who Knows (2:42)
24. Ask Me Now (3:18)

CD2
Thelonious Monk Trio (1954)
01. Blue Monk (7:39)
02. Just a Gigolo (3:01)
03. Bemsha Swing (3:10)
04. Reflections (2:48)
05. Little Rootie Tootie (3:06)
06. Sweet and Lovely (3:34)
07. Bye-Ya (2:47)
08. Monk's Dream (3:07)
09. Trinkle Tinkle (2:50)
10. These Foolish Things (2:46)
Monk (1954)
11. We See (5:18)
12. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (4:33)
13. Locomotive (6:24)
14. Hackensack (5:13)
15. Let's Call This (5:08)
16. Think of One (5:47)
17. Think of One (5:42)

CD3
Thelonious Monk & Sonny Rollins (1956)
01. The Way You Look Tonight (5:16)
02. I Want to Be Happy (7:45)
03. Work (5:19)
04. Nutty (5:18)
05. Friday the 13th (10:34)
Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington (1955)
06. It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing (4:42)
07. Sophisticated Lady (4:32)
08. I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good (5:57)
09. Black and Tan Fantasy (3:29)
10. Mood Indigo (3:17)
11. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart (5:44)
12. Solitude (3:46)
13. Caravan (5:58)

CD4
The Unique Thelonious Monk (1956)
01. Liza (3:14)
02. Memories of You (4:17)
03. Honeysuckle Rose (5:34)
04. Darn That Dream (6:31)
05. Tea for Two (5:55)
06. You Are Too Beautiful (4:56)
07. Just You, Just Me (7:58)
Brilliant Corners (1957)
08. Brilliant Corners (7:44)
09. Ba-Lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are (13:07)
10. Pannonica (8:50)
11. I Surrender, Dear (5:27)
12. Bemsha Swing (7:41)

CD5
Monk's Music (1957)
01. Abide with Me (0:55)
02. Well, You Needn't (11:25)
03. Ruby, My Dear (5:26)
04. Off Minor (5:09)
05. Epistrophy (10:46)
06. Crepuscule with Nellie (4:41)
Mulligan Meets Monk (1957)
07. 'Round Midnight (8:29)
08. Rhythm-A-Ning (5:20)
09. Sweet and Lovely (7:17)
10. Decidedly (5:54)
11. Straight, No Chaser (7:01)
12. I Mean You (6:54)

THELONIOUS MONK - The Complete Albums Collection: 1957-1961 (2015) 5CD / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

Disc 1 (1:22:19)

Thelonious Monk With John Coltrane

1. Ruby, My Dear (06:22)

2. Trinkle, Tinkle (06:40)

3. Off Minor (05:16)

4. Nutty (06:38)

5. Epistrophy (03:10)

6. Functional (09:42)

Thelonious Himself

7. April In Paris (03:53)

8. (I Don't Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance With You (04:25)

9. Functional (09:19)

10. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (04:07)

11. I Should Care (03:16)

12. 'Round Midnight (06:43)

13. All Alone (04:54)

14. Monk's Mood (07:54)

Disc 2 (1:22:59)

Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers With Thelonious Monk

1. Evidence (06:41)

2. In Walked Bud (06:34)

3. Blue Monk (07:48)

4. I Mean You (07:57)

5. Rhythm-A-Ning (07:15)

6. Purple Shades (07:38)

Thelonious In Action

7. Light Blue (05:10)

8. Coming On The Hudson (05:21)

9. Rhythm-A-Ning (09:25)

10. Epistrophy (Theme) (00:56)

11. Blue Monk (08:27)

12. Evidence (08:48)

13. Epistrophy (Theme) (00:59)

Disc 3 (1:22:26)

Misterioso

1. Nutty (05:18)

2. Blues Five Spot (08:08)

3. Let's Cool One (09:12)

4. In Walked Bud (11:17)

5. Just A Gigolo (02:07)

6. Misterioso (10:49)

Thelonious Alone In San Francisco

7. Blue Monk (03:38)

8. Ruby, My Dear (03:53)

9. Round Lights (03:30)

10. Everything Happens To Me (05:32)

11. Bluehawk (03:34)

12. Pannonica (03:47)

13. Remember (02:32)

14. There's Danger In Your Eyes, Cherie (04:08)

15. Reflections (05:01)

Disc 4 (1:18:31)

The Thelonious Monk Orchestra At Town Hall

1. Thelonious (03:04)

2. Friday The 13th (09:32)

3. Little Rootie Tootie (08:56)

4. Off Minor (07:56)

5. Crepuscule With Nellie (04:53)

5 By Monk By 5

6. Jackie-Ing (06:10)

7. Straight, No Chaser (09:23)

8. Played Twice (08:01)

9. I Mean You (09:50)

10. Ask Me Now (10:46)

Disc 5 (1:19:23)

Thelonious Monk At The Blackhawk

1. Let's Call This (08:34)

2. Four In One (08:41)

3. I'm Getting Sentimental Over You (06:14)

4. Worry Later (09:10)

5. Epistrophy (01:00)

Monk In France

6. Well, You Needn't (11:31)

7. Off Minor (11:42)

8. Just A Gigolo (01:43)

9. I Mean You (11:02)

10. Hackensack (09:46)