Epistrophy

Thelonious Monk · 1948

Context

Credited to Thelonious Monk and drummer Kenny Clarke, "Epistrophy" was recorded for Blue Note on July 2, 1948 at Apex studios in New York, in a quartet with Milt Jackson on vibraphone, and released on 78 rpm as the B-side of "In Walked Bud" (Blue Note 548). It is Monk's only Blue Note session made outside the WOR studios. The theme remained in his repertoire: he played it again notably at the Five Spot in 1958.

In the genealogy of jazz

This track belongs to Bebop (Minton's, Monroe's). Among the origins and influences of Bebop: Kansas City, Swing, big bands.

Cited in 1 radio episode

• Sep 16, 2026: EPISTROPHY - FIGURE DE STYLE (Anatomie d'un titre, TSF Jazz, in French)

By the same artist

• 'Round Midnight (1947)
• Well, You Needn't (1947)
• Ruby, My Dear (1947)
• In Walked Bud (1947)
• Straight, No Chaser (1951)
• Blue Monk (1954)

Sources

• dgmono.com
• EN: The Complete Blue Note Recordings of Thelonious Monk

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