Before diving into the many reasons why you should consider picking up a copy of Thelonious Himself, the classic 1957 (mostly) solo piano LP by Thelonious Monk—now beautifully restored as part of Craft Recordings’ Original Jazz Classics (OJC) series—let’s take a moment to consider what it might cost to track down a pristine (or even near-mint) original pressing. Assuming you can even find one.
A quick look at the record collector’s marketplace Discogs shows a single “near mint” copy of Thelonious Himself listed for $249—and that may actually be a second pressing with blue labels. Original 1957 pressings with white labels in “Very Good Plus” (VG+) condition are priced upwards of $350. Most available copies are in VG or VG+ condition at best, unless you’re looking at the 1980s reissues.
Admittedly, those ‘80s pressings probably sound pretty great — they are part of the “original” OJC series reissues and historically offer good sound. However, the vinyl is standard weight (flimsier 140-gram) and the packaging is often lackluster (often poor graphics and thin cardstock construction). They will cost you between $20 and $30 most anywhere. Suddenly, considering a reissue as comprehensive as those from Craft Recordings for $38.99 makes good sense.
From official press materials we learn a bit more about the OJC series: “The reissues feature lacquers cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI and tip-on jackets reproducing the original artwork. All titles will also be released digitally in 192/24-bit hi-res audio on the same date as each vinyl.”
That’s some seriously sweet pedigree. And while I haven’t had time to do a deep A/B comparison between this new edition and my (likely) second pressing with the blue label, I can confidently say this reissue sounds excellent. The deep black vinyl is crucially well-centered and impressively quiet—essentials for any solo piano recording.
Even from a casual comparison, the new edition is far more enjoyable to listen to than my old (just VG) copy—so much so that this reissue will now be my go-to play copy. I’ll hang on to the original, though, since the cover photo is noticeably more vivid. That’s perhaps my only quibble with several Craft reissues I’ve reviewed; I suspect the original artwork elements aren’t always available.
The LP comes housed in an audiophile-grade inner sleeve, and the cover construction is arguably sturdier than my original. Craft even went the extra mile by reproducing the period-appropriate white labels—though the only real way to distinguish this reissue from an original is by checking the album’s serial number.
And then there’s the music: Thelonious Himself features sublime renditions of jazz-pop standards like “April in Paris” and “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You,” along with a beautifully introspective take on Monk’s own classic, “‘Round Midnight.” As a final treat, the album closes with its only trio performance—the stunning “Monk’s Mood”—featuring a then-rising tenor saxophonist named John Coltrane.
‘Nuff said…
You can pick up a copy of Thelonious Himself at your favorite record store or at Amazon for about $38.99.
Mark Smotroff is a deep music enthusiast / collector who has also worked in entertainment oriented marketing communications for decades supporting the likes of DTS, Sega and many others. He reviews vinyl for Analog Planet and has written for Audiophile Review, Sound+Vision, Mix, EQ, etc. You can learn more about him at LinkedIn.
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