For those wanting the quintessential Thelonious Monk quartet sound, look no further than this 1964 Columbia/Legacy records release “Monk”. Featuring Charlie Rouse on tenor, Larry Gales on bass and Ben Riley on drums, fans of the Monk sound will get him in his prime with this outstanding group. Gales and Riley are at their best in their supportive roles and don’t take any solos on this record. But the interplay between Monk’s off-page harmonies and Rouse’s creative rhythmic playing make this album a must-have for rhythm section members wanting to master the post-bob style.