The Unique Thelonious Monk

VINYL FORMAT. The seven-song Unique Theolnious Monk, platter was the pianist's second during his remarkable five-year tenure on Riverside. His debut for the label was aptly titled Plays Duke Ellington and once again, on the disc, Monk's song selection did not feature any original compositions. Rather, the well-chosen standards included exemplify and help further establish the pianist and bandleader within the context of familiar melodies at the head of a trio – consisting of Oscar Pettiford (bass) and Art Blakey (Drums).