Thelonious Alone in San Francisco

"Thelonious Alone in San Francisco" is a captivating solo piano album by the legendary Thelonious Monk, recorded in the intimate setting of Fugazi Hall, San Francisco, on October 21 and 22, 1959. This unique recital offers a rare opportunity to experience Monk's extraordinary talent in an unadorned, personal context, devoid of an audience, allowing his genius to shine through unfiltered.

The album is a masterclass in improvisation, showcasing Monk's unparalleled rhythmic sense and harmonic ingenuity. It features a blend of original compositions and reinterpretations of jazz standards, including the iconic "Blue Monk," the tender ballad "Ruby, My Dear," and the intricate "Pannonica." The inclusion of two tracks from an earlier quartet session, "Bluehawk" and "Round Lights," adds an intriguing layer to the collection.

Monk's playing is introspective and expressive, offering a deep dive into his distinctive style. The album's 11 tracks, spanning a total of 45 minutes, provide a comprehensive exploration of his musical language, from the playful to the profound. The original pressing of this vinyl release is highly sought after, featuring a deep-grooved small 92mm diameter blue/silver label.

This album is a testament to Thelonious Monk's enduring influence and brilliance, offering both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike a chance to appreciate the depth and breadth of his musical genius. It's a personal journey into the heart of Monk's style, captured in a moment of pure, unadulterated creativity.

Thelonious Monk, born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, was a pioneering American jazz pianist and composer, renowned for his distinctive improvisational style and significant contributions to the jazz canon. As one of the founders of modern jazz, Monk's unique approach to rhythm, space, and harmony set him apart, making him the second-most-recorded jazz composer after Duke Ellington. His compositions, such as "'Round Midnight", "Blue Monk", and "Straight, No Chaser", are staples of the genre. Monk's deliberately quirky playing, which often challenges conventional notions of rhythm and harmony, might take some time to appreciate, but his brilliance as a composer and pianist is undeniable. Growing up in New York, Monk began playing piano at the age of five and honed his craft throughout his career, leaving an indelible mark on jazz history.