5 by Monk by 5


5 by Monk by 5 is an album by American jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, recorded in June 1959 and released on Riverside later that year. Monk's "five" features brass section Thad Jones and Charlie Rouse, with rhythm section Sam Jones and Art Taylor.

Background

Recording and composition

The title of the album comes from the quintet playing five of Monk's compositions. These included the new "Jackie-Ing", which Monk hummed to the others to help them learn it. The album also featured the debut of "Played Twice".

Release history

The CD reissue by Original Jazz Classics added two previously rejected takes of "Played Twice".

Reception

The Penguin Guide to Jazz described it as "A relatively little-known Monk session, but a very good one."
The AllMusic reviewer contrasted the complexity of the compositions with the contributions of Monk as a band member.

Track listing

All songs by Thelonious Monk unless otherwise noted.
Side one
  1. Jackie-Ing – 6:06
  2. Straight, No Chaser – 9:21
  3. Played Twice – 7:59
Side two
  1. "I Mean You" – 9:47
  2. "Ask Me Now" – 10:46

Personnel