For this third LP for Riverside, 'Brilliant Corners', Monk recorded some challenging original material over the course of three sessions. Most of the recordings feature some of his long-time A-list studio mates Sonny Rollins, bassist Oscar Pettiford and former Charlie Parker drummer Max Roach, along with alto saxophonist Ernie Henry. Miles Davis bassist Paul Chambers and trumpeter Clark Terry from Duke Ellington's orchestra also backed him on 'Bemsha Swing', a track he had previously recorded for prestige albums by himself and Miles Davis. The album includes the beautiful 'Pannonica', on which Monk plays Celeste, and a complete solo performance on the album's only cover, 'I Surrender, Dear'.