Thelonious Monk’s solo piano album Thelonious Himself gets a new life with Craft Recordings’ reissue. The album, part of Craft’s relaunched Original Jazz Classics, features a 180-gram high-quality pressing. A digital 192/24 hi-res digital release is also available; however, the Kevin Gray LP cut from the original tapes sounds especially glorious. The vinyl also contains the original artwork. 

The reissued vinyl is one of the standout tracks on the album, “‘Round Midnight,” 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 angular phrasing.

The album is mostly solo piano, allowing Monk’s unique touch—his deliberate dissonances, angular phrasing, and rhythmic hesitations—to take center stage. His interpretations of  “‘Round Midnight” and “April in Paris” are 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.

 “‘ Round Midnight” is perhaps the album’s emotional heart. It’s haunting, lyrical, and starkly beautiful, offering one of Monk’s most introspective versions of his most famous composition.

These pieces highlight Monk’s artistry and the depth of expression found throughout the album.

Thelonious Himself is not a “crowd-pleaser” in the conventional sense. It demands attention and rewards repeat listens. It’s a vital document of Monk as a solo artist—a quiet revolutionary whose genius is often best understood in the spaces between the notes.

A cerebral and deeply moving piano album, Thelonious Himself strips Monk to his core, revealing a complex, searching artist. It’s essential for jazz fans and a profound study of musical individuality.

The reissue is out now.