Thelonious Monk - Paris 1969 [2LP/ 180G]

180g Vinyl Double LP Release Of Never-Before-Released Concert!

Blue Note Records has announced the release of Thelonious Monk Paris 1969, a fascinating and important late-career document of the legendary jazz pianist and composer in performance with his Quartet at the Salle Pleyel concert hall in Paris, France on December 15, 1969.

The 1969 Paris concert captures the power and the undiminished beauty of Monk's music, reminding us that even as his body aged his musical imagination knew no limits, writes Monk scholar Robin Kelley in his liner notes essay. However, Kelley also illuminates what a peculiar and challenging moment 1969 was for the 52-year-old pianist. Monk hadn't achieved true success until the late-'50s with his legendary run at the Five Spot Café in New York City with John Coltrane. By the early-'60s Monk's success had peaked when he signed with Columbia Records and was eventually featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in 1964.

Musicians:
Thelonious Monk, piano
Charlie Rouse, tenor sax
Nate Hygelund, bass
Paris Wright, drums
Philly Joe Jones, drums

LP 1 - Side A:
1. I Mean You
2. Ruby My Dear

LP 1 - Side B:
1. Straight, No Chaser
2. Bright Mississippi
3. Light Blue

LP 2 - Side C:
1. Epistrophy
2. Don't Blame Me
3. I Love You Sweetheart of All My Dreams
4. Crepuscule With Nellie

LP 2 - Side D:
1. Bright Mississippi (Reprise)
2. Nutty
3. Blue Monk