WKCR presents annual marathon broadcasts to celebrate the October 10 birthday anniversary of Thelonious Monk.
Here's my segment form the 2024 edition. It begins with selections from Monk's appearances as a "sideman" on sessions with Clark Terry, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, and Sonny Rollins. Next is a lengthy survey of Monk's recordings for the Blue Note label from 1947-1952, his first record contract and an opportunity to proudly display the initial conceptions of his now legendary original compositions.