T. S. Monk with his pack of lions

October 14, 2006 performance review by Ronald K. Baker

Festival reviews: Friday:Billy Taylor Trio and The Metta Quintet;
Sunday: U.S. Army Band, Phil Woods, Grace Kelly.

Drummer T. S. Monk came out swinging with his pack of lions Saturday night on a jam entitled "Dealer Takes Four". The horns blazed away at an up-tempo melody line with close harmony reminiscent of the group "Supersax". Some of Monk's licks were buried by the horns up front in spite of a live afternoon sound check. Nevertheless, he was having a blast back there evidenced by his persistent grin.

Having studied early on with the legendary Max Roach, Monk still uses the traditional grip for his snare drum hand. This sets him apart for the newer cats that hold their sticks as if shaking hands. Additionally, Monk is left-handed. That makes it tough to sit in on someone else's kit, as you have to move things around.

Monk's line-up was hot in spite of the balance problems. It featured Richard Johnson who is the Music Director for the Atlanta Hawks on piano. James Gibbs played trumpet. A veteran of the Marlena Shaw ensemble, David Jackson provided the bass. Tina Fuller, who is touring with the young rave Beyonce, joined in on alto and flute. A longtime friend and compatriot of Monk's, Willie Williams wailed on tenor.

Each number was graciously introduced as Monk made his way from behind the drums to microphone at center stage. He made no secret of the fact that he was calling tunes off the top of his head. "I'm here to play for you," he told the audience, "but I'm also playing for me." A number of times this had some of the younger players shuffling nervously to come up with the correct sheets.

Our host spoke of just returning from North Carolina. It felt like he brought a little bit of it back with him. He was relaxed and casual. He spoke of his high school days at a private school for boys in nearby Lenox. He said he was happy to be back in the area.

Willie Williams played masterfully all night without a single sheet of music. The selections were well mixed and offered something for all tastes. Gibbs, the trumpeter, got some chuckles from the crowd by crossing himself as if to pray before one of the tunes Monk called.

But it took a rendition of "Blue Monk" by Thelonius Monk to really get the band grooving freely. Regrettably, they saved it for last. The "let it all hang out" approach and grins from the ensemble literally ensured an encore. The band happily acquiesced. It still didn't seem enough. Why didn't they start with that?