MONK’estra Big Band Releases Vol. 1

Pianist John Beasley’s MONK’estra contemporary big band, which interprets the work of legendary jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, has released MONK’estra Vol. 1.

Beasley is a Monk aficionado and serves as music director for the Monk Institute’s gala concerts, like International Jazz Day and the Monk Institute’s annual competition galas.

Since 2013, the MONK’estra has played live on both coasts with various rosters. Bassists for the West Coast band include Benjamin Shepherd, Ben Williams, and Rickey Minor, while James Genus holds down the low end for the East Coast.

MONK’estra Vol. 1 is available on CD and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

MONK’estra Vol. 1 Track List:

1. Epistrophy
2. Skippy
3. Oska T
4. Monk’s Processional (Medley)
5. ‘Round Midnight
6. Ask Me Now
7. Gallop’s Gallop
8. Little Rootie Tootie
9. Coming on the Hudson