Thelonious Monk live at Berliner Jazztage 1969

Thelonious Monk, piano
Berliner Jazztage November 6, 1969, Philharmonie, Berlin

1. Satin Doll (Duke Ellington; Billy Strayhorn)
2. Sophisticated Lady (Duke Ellington)
3. Caravan (Duke Ellington; Juan Tizol)

Monk primarily played his own compositions with his quartet, but occasionally performed covers, too. Especially the music of the great Duke Ellington had a special impact on Monk. In 1955 his album "Thelonious Monk Plays Duke Ellington" was released as his debut for Riverside. The choice of Ellington as the 'theme' composer was evidently made by producer Orrin Keepnews and the Riverside label, but it was nevertheless significant. Ellington was (and is) arguably the most important American jazz composer of his generation and with Louis Armstrong and Count Basie, he had been one of the most popular and successful performers and recording artists of the Thirties and Forties.