AMG Review of Music of Thelonious Monk: Jazz Piano Essentials

Stacia Proefrock
All Music Guide

Though Thelonious Monk was a great jazz composer, this collection suffers because it does not offer his classic performances. Nevertheless, interpretations of songs like "Blue Monk" by Hank Jones and "Bemsha Swing" by Hal Galper, and especially "Round Midnight" by Richie Beirach, show off Monk's writing skill and highlight his continuing impact on the world of jazz.