Bassist, arranger and bandleader Marcus Shelby highlights the many moods of the bebop era and celebrates one of the iconic legends who developed this musically adventurous genre: Thelonious Sphere Monk. In honor of Monk’s 109th birthday, we honor some of his imaginatively bold compositions and affirm what makes Monk’s music so compelling and unique.

About the artist:

Composer, bassist, bandleader, and educator Marcus Shelby has been at the forefront of jazz performance and education in the San Francisco Bay Area for decades. Shelby’s expansive vision centers the history, present, and future of African American lives and social movements within the jazz continuum. Former Resident Artistic Director and long-time contributor and performer across many SFJAZZ seasons, Shelby serves as the Artistic Director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival in addition to leading his small and large ensembles.

Band Personnel:
Marcus Shelby, bass & bandleader
Kazemde George, tenor sax
Rabiah Kabir, flute
Greg Jacobs, piano
Sylvia Cuenca, drums

Set List: (all compositions by Thelonious Monk)
Played Twice
Monk’s Dream
Hornin’ In
Criss Cross
Reflections
Green Chimneys