Description:

Joe Clark and Darius Hampton, conductors

Pianist and composer Thelonious Monk made an indelible mark on the jazz world with his unique improvisational style. His early career gigs at Minton’s Playhouse in Manhattan proved crucial to the development of bebop, and his contributions to the jazz standard repertoire include such hits as “’Round Midnight,” “Blue Monk,” “Straight No Chaser,” and “In Walked Bud.” Another leader of the bebop movement, virtuosic saxophonist Charlie Parker became one of the most influential jazz soloists for generations to follow. He composed numerous selections employing the altered harmonies, chromatic passing tones, and blazing tempos that would become hallmarks of the bebop sound. Join the Joe Clark and Darius Hampton ensembles for an exploration of these two giants of the genre.

Joe Clark Ensemble 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Evan Diethrich), Little Rootie Tootie 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Chase Wilkins), Ugly Beauty 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Candice Tugby), Brake’s Sake 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Brian Kachur), Ruby, My Dear 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Dylan McGaharn), Let’s Cool One 
Thelonious Monk (arr. Ethan Weisman), Let’s Call This 

Darius Hampton Ensemble 
Charlie Parker (arr. Jun Byun), Yardbird Suite 
Charlie Parker (arr. Marcus Tugby), Ornithology 
Charlie Parker (arr. Octavio Escamilla), Barbados 
David Raksin and Johnny Mercer (arr. Dario Allais), “Laura” 
Charlie Parker and Miles Davis (arr. Mason Pia), Donna Lee