The Thelonious Monk Orchestra - At Town Hall (1959) {2007 Riverside} [Keepnews Collection]

The Thelonious Monk Orchestra - At Town Hall (1959) {2007 Riverside} [Keepnews Collection]

Remastered in 24-bit from the original master tapes. Part of our Keepnews Collection, which spotlights classic albums originally produced by the legendary and arguably the most respected of all jazz producers, Orrin Keepnews.

The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall is an album by Thelonious Monk, originally released in 1959. The concert included Hall Overton’s arrangements on Monk’s tunes (including a transcription of Monk's piano solo on "Little Rootie Tootie"). The concert features, among others, Charlie Rouse on tenor in his first of several recordings with Monk. Pianist Thelonious Monk's appearance with a tentet at a 1959 Town Hall concert was a major success. With Hal Overton contributing arrangements of Monk's tunes (including a remarkable transcription of Monk's original piano solo on "Little Rootie Tootie") and solos provided by trumpeter Donald Byrd, trombonist Eddie Bert, altoist Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse on tenor, and baritonist Pepper Adams, this date was a real standout. There would only be one other recorded occasion – Monk's 1963 Philharmonic Hall concert – when the unique pianist was as successfully featured with a larger ensemble.

Personnel:
Thelonious Monk — piano
Donald Byrd — trumpet
Eddie Bert — trombone
Robert Northern — French horn
Jay McAllister — tuba
Phil Woods — alto saxophone
Charlie Rouse — tenor saxophone
Pepper Adams — baritone saxophone
Sam Jones — bass
Art Taylor — drums

tracklist:
01 - Thelonious (complete version) (bonus track)
02 - Friday The 13th
03 - Monk's Mood
04 - Little Rootie Tootie
05 - Off Minor
06 - Crepuscule With Nellie
07 - Little Rootie Tootie (encore) (bonus track)
08 - In Walked Bud (bonus track)
09 - Blue Monk (bonus track)
10 - Rhythm-A-Ning (bonus track)