Thelonious Monk Documentary Broadcast Presented by SFJAZZ: Music in Monk Time (U.S. Broadcast Premiere)

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SFJAZZ is presenting the first-ever U.S. broadcast of a rarely seen documentary and concert film giving a glimpse into the life and music of jazz giant Thelonious Monk on June 10 at 7 p.m. PT.

Music in Monk Time: A Retrospective Tribute to Thelonious Sphere Monk combines interview and performance footage of Monk’s classic compositions by his legendary associates Dizzy Gillespie, Carmen McRae, and Milt Jackson, along with Monk quartet members Charlie Rouse, Ben Riley, and Larry Gales with Walter Davis, Jr. on piano. Additionally, a big band featuring Terence Blanchard and Monk’s son, drummer T.S. Monk, recreates the famous 1959 Town Hall concert. Written and narrated by iconic vocalist Jon Hendricks, the film balances these live performances with rare archival film footage of Monk and photos borrowed directly from his famous patron the Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, tracing Monk’s career through the decades.

SFJAZZ premiered the film to a sold-out crowd in March 1985, and the film was televised throughout the world. However, it has never been broadcast in the United States, making this the second time SFJAZZ has premiered this priceless document of jazz history.

The broadcast costs $10 for SFJAZZ members and $15 for the public, and is part of SFJAZZ’s virtual summer festival. More info here: https://www.sfjazz.org/sfjazz-digital/rent-music-in-monk-time/