These are some of the performances that changed Thelonious Monk's status from that of misunderstood and largely ignored eccentric to style-setting, poll-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader. They also established Riverside Records as one of the most important jazz labels of the 1950s. Included are definitive recorded versions of Monk classics "'Round Midnight," "Well, You Needn't," "Brilliant Corners," and "Jackie-ing"; samples of his solo, trio, and small-band work; and a cast of supporting players that includes his early patron Coleman Hawkins, his longtime sideman Charlie Rouse, and such other immortal partners as Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Thad Jones, Max Roach, and Sonny Rollins.

with Gerry Mulligan, Wilbur Ware, Shadow Wilson, Ray Copeland, Gigi Gryce, John Coltrane, Coleman Hawkins, Art Blakey, Thad Jones, Charlie Rouse, Sam Jones, Arthur Taylor, Oscar Pettiford, Kenny Clarke, Ernie Henry, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, John Ore, Billy Higgins, Joe Gordon, and Harold Land