The title says it all. It was Monk's first album for Riverside Records. It was done over two nights in July of 1955. Monk's new producer, Orrin Keepnews wanted to move Thelonious into a bigger spotlight and have him record a trio album of more familiar material than his own tunes. Monk was good with the trio idea but lukewarm as to recording an album of Gershwin, Porter or Arlen tunes but Orrin Keepnews persisted and the light bulb went on and Keepnews said "Duke Ellington tunes". Monk smiled and said "yes indeed!". Hence this beautiful date. Monk picked the great Oscar Pettiford on bass and pioneering drummer Kenny Clarke and selected a bunch of great Ellington tunes. The album opened the door for Monk as it sold well and was heard on Jazz radio too. Monk was emerging from marginalized obscurity and into the limelight. This album began a long association with Riverside Records and some of his best work. Tonight "Monk Plays Ellington".
