This is the deal: You win the annual Thelonius Monk Competition, you get a record deal. Jazz pianist Terrasson took top prize in 1993 and here's the result -- a brilliant debut album that showcases original pieces of suprising maturity alongside of standards that Terrasson basically reconstructs as his own. "My Funny Valentine" and "For Once in My Life" are beautifully rendered, as is Terrasson's own "Just A Blues."

Harold Check