Pianist/Composer Thelonious Monk: "Monk."

This overlooked album was Monk's fourth for Columbia and of course featured his wonderful quartet with his right hand-man, Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone and two fresh faces in the bass and drum department who would remain with Monk for four years. They are Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums. The Monk Jazz Feature is to honour his Birthday Anniversary which takes place on Oct. 10. This is one fine album that many people forgot about and has a variety of tunes that are standards given the unique Monk treatment. A delightful version of the children's song, "This Old Man" is given a Monk guise. A Monk solo piece on an old obscure ballad by Irving Berlin is a sheer delight. Two Monk originals also grace the recording done on October of 1964. Happy 102nd Birthday Mr. Monk, your music is a fresh as tomorrow.