Despite various reissue formats over several decades, the seven original LPs contained in Thelonious Monk — The Riverside Tenor Sessions stood perfectly well on their own at the time of initial release and remain among the highest achievements of a truly golden age. Recorded and released between 1956 and 1961, these seven Monk combo albums were critical in Monk’s emergence from a decade of ridicule and neglect to his status at the pinnacle of the jazz pantheon.

Monk’s Music is a landmark in jazz — easily one of Thelonious Monk’s greatest albums ever, and a magical crossroads of talents that brings together a variety of jazz traditions! The work is performed by an ambitious Monk septet that includes both Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane on tenor sax — and if you’ve ever doubted the brilliance of Hawk, this is the record to change your mind. The rest of the group is equally great — with Ray Copeland on trumpet, Gigi Gryce on alto, Wilbur Ware on bass, and Art Blakey on drums — all coming together with Monk to craft a perfect set of tunes that are virtually the definition of “modern jazz.” Titles include “Abide With Me,” “Off Minor,” “Crepuscule With Nellie,” and “Epistrophy.”

It’s probably true that Monk’s own ability to translate his ideas into actual piano performance has seldom if ever been at a higher level of skill and clarity than here on Monk’s Music.

In addition to some of his best recorded piano performances and more than two dozen of his profoundly personal compositions, the albums in this reissue series provide an overview of the era’s major tenor saxophonists, with contributions by Sonny Rollins, Coleman Hawkins, John Coltrane, Johnny Griffin, Charlie Rouse and Harold Land. Max Roach, Art Blakely, Roy Haynes and Thad Jones are among the other jazz immortals featured on the essential Brilliant Corners, Monk’s Music: Thelonious Monk Septet, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane, Thelonious in Action, Misterioso, 5 by Monk by 5 and Quartet Plus Two At The Blackhawk.