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About this clip:

Bassist and bandleader Marcus Shelby and his New Orchestra perform the classic Thelonious Monk composition “San Francisco Holiday” during their performance on Monk’s Birthday, October 10, 2023, part of the 2023-24 Season and broadcast on Fridays Live.

This concert was made possible with generous support from The Rex Cardinale Thelonious Monk Fund.

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About the concert:

 
Our yearly birthday salute to Thelonious Monk features renowned bassist, composer, and bandleader Marcus Shelby and his New Orchestra in an evening inspired by Monk’s legendary 1959 Town Hall concert, joined by a pair of very special guests — master pianists Gerald Clayton and Benny Green.

Dubbed “San Francisco Holiday” in reference to Monk’s classic 1960 composition, this night includes arrangements of beloved Monk compositions by Shelby, trumpeter and composer Erik Jekabson, and rising young trumpet phenom Skylar Tang, recently a member of the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars.

A veteran of the Bay Area and international jazz scenes, Shelby is a consummate artist and a natural choice to ring in what would have been Monk’s 106th birthday with the latest version of his virtuosic orchestra, featuring trumpeter Mike Olmos, trombonist Danny Lubin-Laden, and saxophonist Phil Vieux — a longtime Shelby collaborator from Black Note, their acclaimed 1990s combo of young lions.

Possessing an exquisite touch and a sound that combines the dynamic finesse of Ahmad Jamal with the hurtling swing of Oscar Peterson, six-time GRAMMY nominee Gerald Clayton ranks among the very best pianists of his generation.

Very few pianists play with as much joy and finesse as Benny Green, the one-time Berkeley High wunderkind who developed his lyrical and propulsive playing in the star-making bands of singer Betty Carter, drummer Art Blakey, and bassist Ray Brown.

PERSONNEL:

Marcus Shelby: bass
Phil Vieux: alto saxophone, flute
Danny Brown: tenor saxophone, clarinet
Melecio Magdaluyo: baritone saxophone, flute
Mike Olmos: trumpet
Darren Johnston: trumpet
Skylar Tang: trumpet
Danny Lubin-Laden: trombone
Rich Lee: tuba
Sylvia Cuenca: drums

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Benny Green: piano
Gerald Clayton; piano

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