His third album for the Riverside label but the first to feature so many of his own compositions, Brilliant Corners is regarded as one of the finest albums in Thelonius Monk’s catalogue (it is regarded as of such significance it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999). The supporting musicians include Paul Chambers (better known for his work with Miles Davis), Max Roach, Clark Terry and Sonny Rollins, but it is Monk’s own work on piano that dominates the proceedings. An important and vital album, not just for Thelonius Monk but for any serious jazz collector.

1. Brilliant Corners
2. Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-Lues-Are
3. Pannonica
4. I Surrender, Dear
5. Bemsha Swing