The album was digitally remastered and re-released on CD in 1997 with one additional take and without the fake applause added to the original LP.
History
The album features four Monk compositions, only one of which had previously been recorded by Powell. That composition is the first track on the album, "Off Minor", a song that Powell recorded during his first session as leader (see Bud Powell Trio) in January 1947. The 1947 recording had been the song's debut recording, since Monk himself only recorded it in October the same year (see Genius of Modern Music).
Reception
Don Nelson of DownBeat sharply criticized "Ruby, My Dear," which had previously been released on a compilation album; he described it as "unrepresentative of a giant." He noted that a previous DownBeat review of the compilation had come to a similar conclusion and had discouraged release of the full album. However, Nelson praised the album's other tracks, particularly those with a faster tempo, such as "Foolin'," "Thelonious," and "There Will Never Be Another You."[2]
Track listing
All songs were written by Thelonious Monk, except where noted.
Years given are for the recording(s), not first release. Because Powell's discography features albums with the same title, record labels are identified to avoid any confusion.
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