Description
Thelonious Monk demonstrates his singular brilliance as a solo pianist on Thelonious Alone in San Francisco, recorded in 1959 for Riverside Records. Following the acclaimed Thelonious Himself, this unaccompanied recital captures Monk in a relaxed and reflective mood, allowing his distinctive touch and phrasing to take centre stage.
The programme moves effortlessly between Monk’s own ballad compositions, sharp-edged blues pieces and personal favourites from the popular songbook of his youth. It also introduces the first recorded appearances of ‘Bluehawk’ and ‘Round Lights’, alongside a rarely heard pop tune, ‘There’s Danger in Your Eyes, Cherie’.
Stripped back to piano alone, the session highlights Monk’s inventive harmonies, rhythmic quirks and quietly expressive playing, offering a focused glimpse into the mind of one of jazz’s most original composers and performers.
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