W Marsilis Jazz Orch Plays Monk Featuring Piano Prodigy Joey Alexander

Wynton Marsalis & his Jazz Orch performed a concert of all Monk's music.  A legendary jazz pianist & composer, Monk's music is in the utmost echelon of signficiang jazz composers along with Ellington & Strayhorn. Monk is known for his innovative style & virtuoso techniques in his 70+ innovative jazz compositions.  Last night's fantastic performance was a special event that featured 12 yr old piano prodigy Joey Alexander (b. Bali 2003.)  At 6, Joey was able to play by ear, melodies on the piano from listening to his father's jazz collections.  At 11, he won the int'l improvisational prize in Odessa beating out hundreds of prof. jazz musicians from 17 countries.  An exuberant and delightful performer, Alexander took to the piano and played to the amazement of the audience & awe of his fellow musicians.  Dan Nimmer, pianist for the jazz orch. performed as did another remarkable guest pianist, Brad Mehldau.  This was a exceptional evening for jazz enthusiasts.   Three incredible generations of great pianists, Monk's ingenious music, and brilliant arrangements by various band members. Marsalis' banter welcomes us into sharing his passion for the artform.  Marsalis described Monk as having a really original sound which holds all of the past in it; the blues and the church.