School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Thelonious Himself

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Thelonious Himself was released in 1957 on Riverside Records, Thelonious Monk's fourth album for that label. He plays solo piano, except on the last track, Monk's Mood, on which John Coltrane on tenor saxophone and Wilbur Ware on bass join in. It was his second solo piano album in the studio and the first that an American label made and released in the United States. His first long solo recording, Piano Solo, had been made in Paris in June 1954. He recorded this album at Reeves Sound Studios, where he also sits at the mixing desk on the cover.

Robert Christgau called it probably his best solo album and Down Beat gave it five stars. Scott Yanow found it less important, but admired his hesitant stride and his considered, unpredictable excursions.

Listening

Listening tip. In Monk's Mood, listen to how Coltrane and Ware accompany the piano, on the only track that is not solo.

Track list

  1. 1April In Paris (Remastered 2025)3:54Apple Music ↗
  2. 2(I Don’t Stand) A Ghost Of A Chance [Remastered 2025]4:24Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Functional (Remastered 2025)9:22Apple Music ↗
  4. 4I’m Getting Sentimental Over You (Remastered 2025)4:06Apple Music ↗
  5. 5I Should Care (Remastered 2025)3:15Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Round Midnight (Remastered 2025)6:44Apple Music ↗
  7. 7All Alone (Remastered 2025)4:53Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Monk’s Mood (Remastered 2025)7:49Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs