T. S. Monk
Monk has received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual “Recording of the Year” award and Downbeat’s prestigious 63rd annual Album of the Year Reader’s Choice Award for “Monk On Monk,” an 80th birthday anniversary tribute album to his father. “Monk On Monk” featured over twenty guest artists including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval, and Nnenna Freelon.
Other T. S. Monk Resources
After earning a reputation in school as a rabble-rouser, and graduating, the young Monk joined his father's trio and toured with his dad until the elder Monk's retirement in 1975. T. S. then launched into the music that had captivated him and his generation, R&B. He first toured with a group called Natural Essence and afterward, with his sister Barbara, formed his own band with which he had hits on two recordings, House Of Music and More Of The Good Life, where he played drums, arranged, and sang.
T. S. received the New York Jazz Awards First Annual "Recording of the Year" and 'Downbeat's' prestigious 63rd Reader's Poll Award for Monk On Monk, the "80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk" featuring twenty guest artists including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, Howard Johnson, among others perform on the recording. Critics and the public lauded T. S. Monk as his father's true musical heir, as bandleader, and performer. Rave reviews in the Hollywood Reporter, Variety, the L.A. Times, and others, echoed the public sentiment of the sold out concert hall shows across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.
Shortly after his father passed away leaving a rich and legendary legacy and, tragically, his sister died of cancer. To honor his father's legacy and support the efforts of education, Thelonious turned his attention toward forming the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. As Chairman, Thelonious has been at the forefront of helping to create a number of programs that range supporting after-school athletic programs. The Institute's activities reach from Boston to Los Angeles sponsoring music education for students in the form of full scholarships to funding and supplies and from New York to Orlando.
In 1992, Thelonious formed his jazz sextet and received raves from the moment they hit the stage and the studio. One of the most unique groups on the circuit, the T. S. Monk Sextet's cohesive and driving style has been heard at the JVC Jazz at the Bowl festival, Sun Valley Center, Lied Center for the Performing Arts, and many of the legendary jazz clubs. For his special 80th Anniversary Birthday Tribute to his father, the sextet formed the core of the eleven musician, pulsating and dynamic show. With Grammy Award winning producer (for Joe Henderson's Lush Life, among others) Don Sickler on trumpet, the duo has carved an innovative and dynamic approach to crafting the T. S. Monk Sextet sound; this band soars and sizzles.
For two consecutive seasons, December 1996 and January 1998, on ABC, jazz returned to network television after a twenty-five year absence. Sponsored by Nissan and The Thelonious Monk Institute, under the guidance of Thelonious, Jr. and Tom Carter, an historic assemblage of artists gathered for 'A Celebration Of America's Music' hosted by Bill Cosby and featuring Natalie Cole, Jon Secada, Tony Bennett, K.D. Lang, as well as Thelonious performing his father's signature tune, Round Midnight, with Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Nnenna Freelon, Al Jarreau, Dave Brubeck, Aretha Franklin have all performed for this Annual special.
Quotes and Reviews - T. S. Monk
St. Louis Dispatch |
"Another Thelonius Monk get the crowd in the swing." |
All Music Guide |
"...one of the most consistently satisfying jazz groups..." |
Variety |
"...a first rate drummer, unquenchably driving, and one for the few who can keep the pulse swinging... " |
All About Jazz |
"T.S. Monk's new album Higher Ground serves up a decidedly challenging musical concoction. With the release, Monk has not only solidified a highly personal sound, he has done something rare and infinitely appealing: he has created idiosyncratic, confounding music." |
The Ottawa Citizen |
"Monk spectacularly tops expectation... " |
Photos - T. S. Monk
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Outreach Programs- T. S. Monk
Classroom
In the classroom: Designed for a maximum of 25 students in a classroom setting.
Meet the Beet
T.S. ony (drums requested)
Exploring the history of the drums, this worksho focuses on the earliest uses of drums for commmunication to its use in all types of music from Broadway to jazz to R&B to movies.
What is Jazz
T.S. (occasionally with an additional musician)
From Louis Armstrong to Dizzy Gillespie, what is jazz? HOw did it arise? From Louis Armstrong to Kenny G, "jazz is..."
On Thelonious Monk
T.S. only
The son tlks about, shares memories of, and explores the role of his legendary father in the course of music. From his own 'Monk On Monk', T.S. gives the audience the true story of genious inside creativity.
Performance
Educational Performances: typically designed for 100 or more students in small or large auditorium setting.
The Charm
T..S and his band
What does it take to succeed in music? What does it take to succeed in life? What is "the third time the charm" as the saying goes? Motivational, dynamic, inspirational, this workshop explores the intrinsic qualities that can make a joyous recording, and a joyous.
From Small to Big, Sextet to Tentet
T.S and his band
This activity explores the development of a song, the relationship between melody and harmony and rhythm and encourages audience questions and participation taking examples from the songs composed by legends of jazz.
Speaking Engagement
Special presentation: Speaking Engagements and Lectures
In the Light of Another
T.S. only (additional presons may be added depending upon the goal of the presenting organization)
How do we find our own way when someone else casts a long shadow in our path?
From the most personal perspective, T.S. Monk shares what it was like to be the son of a legend. What were the advantages? What were the disadvantages? What was the most personal challenge he encountered and how does that mirror what we each must address in our life's journey?
Special Projects - T. S. Monk
THELONIOUS MONK FESTIVAL: Jazz and Beyond
A celebration of Thelonious Monk. The Monk Festival is a tribute to the legendary pianist, his life and his music. Performances by his son TS Monk, vocalst Nnenna Freelon and a host of all stars.
CENTURY AMERICANA: T.S. Monk Sextet, David Amram, and Nnenna Freelon
The 20th Century explred with the music from African-American emotional ex
MONK ON MONK: Featuring the T.S. Monk Tentet
T.S. Monk pays tribute to his legendary father, Thelonious Monk in the tentet format, Thelonious' favorite!
Symphony
Thelonious Monk and All That Jazz Tribute
From Mozart to Monk
More Info About T. S. Monk
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