T.S. T.S. Monk – Monk was a drummer, bandleader and composer. He also became a vocalist at the age of 10. Max Roach, his teacher, gifted him his first drum kit. After earning a reputation as a rabble-rouser in school (and graduating), Monk joined Max Roach’s trio and toured with his father until 1975 when the elder Monk retired. T. S. then jumped into R&B, the music that had captivated his generation. After touring with Natural Essence, he formed his own band with his sister Barbara. T.S. had two hits with him on House Of Music and More Of The Good Life. He also played the drums and sang.
T. S. was awarded the New York Jazz Awards First Annual Recording of the Year award, and the prestigious ‘Downbeat’s’ prestigious Album of the Year Reader’s Choice Award for Monk On Monk. Monk on Monk, the “80th anniversary birthday tribute to Thelonious-Sphere Monk”, features twenty guest artists, including Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, Arturo Sandoval. Dianne Reeves. Nnenna Freedomlon and Howard Johnson. T. S. Monk was praised by critics and the public as his true musical heir as a bandleader and performer. The concert hall sold-out shows in America, Europe and the Middle East received rave reviews from Variety, Hollywood Reporter, L.A. Times and other publications.
His father left a rich legacy and his sister tragically died from cancer shortly after his death. Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz was established to honor his father’s legacy. Thelonious is the Chairman and has helped to establish a variety of programs, from funding after-school sports programs to full scholarships to sponsoring music education for students. The Institute’s activities span from Boston to Los Angeles, New York to Orlando.
Thelonious founded his jazz sextet in 1992 and was greeted with a standing ovation from all who saw them on the stage or in the studio. The T. S. Monk Sextet is one of the most distinctive groups on the circuit. Their cohesive and driving style can be heard at the JVC Jazz at the Bowl festival and Sun Valley Center. The sextet was the core of the 11 musician, dynamic and pulsating show that he created for his 80th anniversary birthday tribute to his father. The Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Henderson (for Joe Henderson’s Lush Life among others) and Don Sickler, on trumpet, have created a dynamic and innovative approach to crafting the T. S. Monk Sextet sound. This band is soaring and sizzling.
After a twenty-five-year absence, jazz returned to television for two consecutive seasons on ABC in December 1996 and January 1998. Under the direction of T.S. Monk and Tom Carter were part of a historic group of artists who gathered at ‘A Celebration Of America’s Music’ hosted and hosted by Bill Cosby. Lang, and Thelonious performing Round Midnight with Pat Metheny and Nnenna Freedomlon. This annual special featured performances by Al Jarreau and Dave Brubeck as well as Aretha Franklin.
Monk seems to effortlessly bridge musical worlds with “Crosstalk”, his most recent release. He also adds vocals for the first-time in over fifteen years to his record. His forthcoming release, “Higher Ground”, expands upon his exploration into the “smoother” world of jazz. There are many straight-up jazz tunes throughout the CD, including one scat song called “Mosaic”, but TS also switches to a smoother mode with “Ladera Heights”. He also has some “Funky Jazz” if you’re looking for something funky. This album is jam-packed with it all! T. S. Monk continues his artistic leadership through his recordings and live performances on stage, both in concert and on television.