The Thelonious Monk Quartet was an influential ensemble in the realm of jazz, led by the inimitable Thelonious Sphere Monk, who was not just a pianist but a visionary composer, and a figurehead of modern jazz. Monk's style was characterized by his unorthodox approach to the piano, using dissonant harmonies and angular melodic twists which reflected his unique improvisational method. Born on October 10, 1917, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Monk moved to Manhattan, New York, at a young age, where he found himself at the heart of the burgeoning jazz scene. His work during the 1940s and '50s as part of the house band at Minton's Playhouse would become foundational in the development of bebop. However, his reputation reached new heights with the formation of the Thelonious Monk Quartet.

Active primarily in the '50s and '60s, the Thelonious Monk Quartet saw several lineup changes with Monk as the constant centerpiece. The quartet's dynamic performances were marked by the interplay between Monk's piano and the tenor saxophone, which was brilliantly handled by notable players like John Coltrane and Charlie Rouse over different periods. Albums like "Misterioso" and "Thelonious In Action", recorded live at the legendary Five Spot Café, encapsulate the Quartet’s live charisma and Monk's ability to transfix audiences with complex, yet soulful, music. While "At Carnegie Hall" reveals a notable performance with John Coltrane that was lost to the public for nearly half a century, it remains a treasure trove of exemplary jazz. Despite the passage of time, the legacy of the Thelonious Monk Quartet continues to resonate, embodying the spirit of innovation that Monk championed throughout his career.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Quartet

Latest Release

Sendesall Bremen, Germany March 8th. 1965 (Live Restauración 2022)

Thelonious Monk Quartet

Album - 9 Tracks - Released December 1, 2022