Thelonious Monk - The Thelonious Monk Orchestra at Town Hall - Keepnews Collection

Pianist Thelonious Monk's appearance with a tentet at a 1959 Town Hall concert was a major success. With Hal Overton contributing arrangements of Monk's tunes (including a remarkable transcription of Monk's original piano solo on "Little Rootie Tootie") and solos provided by trumpeter Donald Byrd, trombonist Eddie Bert, altoist Phil Woods, Charlie Rouse on tenor, and baritonist Pepper Adams, this date was a real standout. There would only be one other recorded occasion -- Monk's 1963 Philharmonic Hall concert -- when the unique pianist was as successfully featured with a larger ensemble.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow