Thelonious Monk’s solo piano album Thelonious Himself gets a new life with this Craft Recordings reissue, part of the relaunched Original Jazz Classics. The LP returns as a digital 192/24 hi-res digital release, but Kevin Gray’s 180-gram high-quality LP pressing from the original tapes sounds especially glorious. The vinyl also contains the original artwork.
“‘Round Midnight” is one of the standout tracks on the album, a haunting, lyrical piece that serves as the emotional heart of Thelonious Himself. Monk’s interpretation is starkly beautiful and introspective, showcasing his unique ability to infuse personal emotion into his most famous work. “Functional” is an extended, improvised blues workout that feels raw and exploratory. This track offers listeners a glimpse into Monk’s private practice — the sound is less polished but rich in personality, capturing the essence of Monk’s artistic journey.
Additionally, “Monk’s Mood” stands out as the only ensemble track on the album. Here, Monk shares the spotlight with John Coltrane and bassist Wilbur Ware. This collaboration becomes a masterpiece of restraint and emotional clarity, with Coltrane providing a lyrical counterpoint that beautifully complements Monk’s unusual approach at the piano. The album is mostly solo, allowing Monk’s unique touch — his deliberate dissonances, angular phrasing, and rhythmic hesitations — to take center stage.
His interpretation of “April in Paris,” like “‘Round Midnight,” is inward, abstract and deeply personal, reimagined through his offbeat harmonic lens. Monk doesn’t embellish for the sake of virtuosity; instead, he explores space, silence, and tension in ways few jazz pianists dared to. These pieces highlight Monk’s artistry and the depth of expression found throughout the album.
A cerebral and deeply moving piano album, Thelonious Himself strips Monk to his core, revealing a complex, searching genius. This was never a “crowd-pleaser” in the conventional sense. Instead, the LP demands attention and rewards repeat listens.
What’s eventually revealed is a vital documentation of Monk as a solo artist: He was, and remains, a quiet revolutionary whose genius is often best understood in the spaces between the notes. Along the way, Thelonious Himself became both essential for jazz fans and a profound study of musical individuality.
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