Juilliard Jazz Ensemble Plays the Music of Thelonious Monk

Last night, in a packed Paul Hall at Juilliard, the Juilliard Jazz Artist Diploma Ensemble performed an evening of outstanding program of Monk's music.  The incredibly talented ensemble was an int'l blend of artists, the drummer from Italy, the trombonist from the Netherlands, the sax/clarinet from Spain and the saxophonist & bass player from London and the exceptional jazz pianist from the US.  The ensemble was internationally represented but I'm hoping that soon more women will take up jazz instruments and infiltrate a mainly male student body at Juilliard.  The music performed does remind us of our interconnections to music, to the artists and to one another.  Monk's jazz compositions are legendary and always exciting for their originality.  Each member did original arrangements for the group.  The jazz concerts are joyous events.  The ensemble having as much, if not more enjoyment than the audience from their playing which is infectious.  My favorites on the program were both Monk's ballads, Boo Boo's Birthday (written for his daughter) & Ruby.  I also enjoyed the piano, bass & drum trio rendition of Skippy which is played with thrilling & intoxicating timing.  The next concert will be in Peter Jay Sharp Theater featuring the music of Fletcher Henderson on Thursday Oct. 12th.