Previously available on the Gambit label (and reviewed in Jazzwise 127), this compilation combines three Newport appearances that helped to cement Monk’s growing fame. Best known is the trio set that gave rise to the ‘Blue Monk’ included in the Jazz On A Summer’s Day movie (in edited form and voiced-over) with Roy Haynes, who was working with Monk at the Five Spot Café, abetted by Grimes (possibly hired directly by the festival). On this and the following year’s set, with the then regular rhythm-section joined by the already clichéd Rouse, Monk is in excellent form and displaying considerable invention. His extraordinary 1962 guest shot with the Ellington band is undercut by off-the-radio sound quality – a pity because, despite the ensemble version of ‘Monk’s Dream’ arranged by Billy Strayhorn and a sketchy jam blues, the pianist is the only soloist on both tracks. Apart from the 1958 set, this is probably only for hardcore Monk fans.