Thelonious Monk Palo Alto

This release features a previously unheard recording of a 1968 high school performance by the jazz great. The surprise performance came about after 16-year-old high school student Danny Scher had a dream to invite the storied pianist and composer and his all-star quartet to perform a concert at his local high school in Palo Alto, California. Against a backdrop of racial tension and political volatility, the concert took place on October 27, 1968, and was recorded by the school’s janitor. The 47-minute album features Monk’s regular touring band of tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Larry Gales and drummer Ben Riley. It also highlights his touring repertoire, which constituted his finest compositions. The LP comes with a poster and two booklets.