Blackhawk Quintet Celebrates the Great Thelonious

In case you missed it, the Blackhawk Quintet recently brought the spirit of Thelonious Monk to the Middle C Jazz stage, delivering a performance that was as respectful as it was adventurous. Renowned critic Perry Tannenbaum joined us for the set, noting that while the band paid homage to Monk’s legendary 1960 At the Blackhawk recordings, they carved out a modern sound all their own.

From pianist Philip Howe’s “Monkish” eccentricities to the “declamatory” power of tenor saxophonist Elijah Freeman and the lyrical brilliance of trumpeter Ariel Mejia, the evening was a showcase in bebop.

Read the full review here for a deep dive into the highlights of this unforgettable night.