This album was a real milestone in the career of Thelonious Monk as it was his first recording for Columbia Records, a major label. He was signed in 1962 and, this, his first recording was a much anticipated event. Thelonious had, at this point, become something of a household word in Jazz as he had emerged from the underground of the 1950's into a vital force in the music. He had never compromised his musical vision but by this time had formed a stable group with the gritty-toned tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, who had been with Monk since the end of 1958. Bassist John Ore, a steady and reliable timekeeper had been with Mr. Monk for a couple of years and the last piece of the puzzle was the dancing, booting drumming of Frankie Dunlop, who after Art Blakey and Shadow Wilson was one of the finest percussionists to work with Monk. On this record, the long bass and drum solos were eliminated as they were more effective during live and concert performances and the tunes were shortened into concise form. Columbia, who had Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Dave Brubeck and others on their roster gave this album a big publicity boost and it became the best selling of all Monk's recordings. It was greeted with raves from fans and critics alike.....Monk had arrived! Tonight's Feature "Monk's Dream". Two solo piano performances and six quartet tunes make up this date done on Halloween and November 1 & 2, 1962......Monk at his finest.

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