Monk Live In Paris, 1967, Volume One (Blue Vinyl)

URPMD and United Record Pressing are proud to partner with the Estate of Thelonious Monk to launch an official archive series of previously unreleased live recordings. This marks the first official release from the Monk Estate, exclusively distributed worldwide by URPMD. The first title, Monk Live in Paris, 1967 – Volume One, arrives April 24, 2026 on 180-gram blue vinyl.

A Newly Unearthed and Fully Restored Recording of Thelonious Monk's 1967 Paris Concert - Long Considered One of the Most Elusive Performances of his European Tour. This marks the first official release from the Monk Estate.

The initial release, Monk Live in Paris, 1967 Volume One, is very special, not only for its merging of these elements, but also because it showcases Monk's longstanding quartet featuring tenor man Charlie Rouse and the bass/drums tandem of Larry Gales and Ben Riley, who are joined by five very special guest horn men. Alto saxophonist Phil Woods, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, Ray Copeland and tenor titan Johnny Griffin (Rouse's predecessor in the quartet) perform in various permutations – with the full nonet, including trumpet legend Clark Terry, coming together in Volume Two of this wonderful concert recording (to be released October 9, 2026).

Volume One includes four Monk classics (an apt description of virtually every one of his compositions) – ''Epistrophy,'' with a scorching, growlingly muscular Griffin solo and a lyrical and adventurous Copeland solo; the deliciously syncopated ''Evidence,'' with sparkling Rouse, another terrific solo by Copeland; and bluesy, wickedly swinging Woods. On both extended pieces, the four horns provide densely harmonic thematic statements and some adventurous riffing that spurs on the soloists for a spontaneous feeling with a jam session atmosphere of jubilant excitement. ''We See,'' again highlights Rouse and Copeland; with the beautiful ''Ruby, My Dear'' just featuring the original quartet completing the package. Of course, Monk brings his totally singular piano stylings to each piece; and Gales and Riley both offer their own outstanding contributions as well.

The recording is presented as a 180-gram audiophile pressing and was selected by Thelonious Sphere Monk III as the first in a new series of previously unreleased, rare live recordings, mastered by Rudy Van Gelder. The album cover artwork was designed by Japanese graphic designer and artist Gaku Inada.

1. Artist Introduction
2. Epistrophy
3. Evidence
4. Ruby My Dear
5. We See