The album 'Thelonious Monk Plays' was recorded on November 17, 1954 at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. It was produced by Bob Weinstock, founder of Prestige Records, and is Monk's second album as a leader for this label.
The session features a quintet consisting of Thelonious Monk on piano, Ray Copeland on trumpet, Frank Foster on tenor saxophone, Curly Russell on bass, and Art Blakey on drums. This is one of Monk's earliest recordings with Art Blakey, who would become a frequent collaborator.
The album includes five original compositions by Monk, including classics such as 'Blue Monk' and 'Bemsha Swing'. The original cover features an abstract illustration, departing from the typical photographs of the era.