Thelonious Monk Trio, Thelonious Monk, LP

Acked alternately by bassists Percy Heath and Gary Mapp and drummers Art Blakey and Max Roach, Monk pours forth his idiosyncratic virtuosity in this set of tunes recorded by the inimitable Rudy Van Gelder. Beautifully rendered, 'Blue Monk' is the highlight of the album, adventurously combining disharmonic riffs within a melodic and very memorable structure. Monk's explorations conjure up images of a mathematician working out geometric patterns on the keyboard and evoke a sublime beauty as they build order out of chaos. Intimate, intense, and inspired, Thelonious Monk Trio is a must-have for those ready to dive into the genius of Monk.