"genius of modern music" = says it all.

when my jazz trio was working regularly and playing straight ahead stuff, we played "in walked bud."

as far as monk and blue note go...

he's a major name and important artist, but he wasn't a blue note "mainstay," like yesterday's featured artist - Donald Byrd. like miles davis, they each had 2 volume early compilation sets on the label that were excellent, but both did their more monumental works with the OJC label (prestige/riverside) and then, of course, Columbia. i never really relate or equate monk or miles w/ blue note. of course, i have their BN titles in my collection! : )

the album shown here, is the reissue cover for vol. 2. the sessions for these records were between 1947-1952. 5 years later, in the 2nd half of '57, there are 2 live BN releases of Monk with Coltrane - 5 Spot and Carnegie Hall.

you can get most of this material on the Thelonious Monk Complete Blue Note 4cd Box Set. $50 or less...

[1] thelarmis, I was going to say the EXACT same thing but you beat me to it!

Monk tunes are immediately identifiable, unique and brilliant compositions.