Frequently imitated, never replicated and always inspiring, pianist Thelonious Monk is featured here on this fun and energetic pair of discs from a pair of concerts that were previously issued as Monk in France and Monk in Italy. His quartet includes the rough and ready toned Charlie Rouse/ts along with John Ore/b and Frankie Dunlop/dr and Monk mixes standards like a solo take of “April In Paris” and “Body and Soul” with joyful and bouncy originals such as “Well, You Needn’t” and “Rhythm-a-ning.” Monk is insouciant and the rhythm team is effervescent on “Off Minor” while Rouse’s smoky horn is elastic as well as angular. It’s amazing that the world still hasn’t caught up to the vision and creativity of this protobopper. Fun and fantastic.