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| Jazz In Progress-Monk In Motion-The Next Face In Jazz The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, New York, NY, in partnership with the Thelonious Monk Institute, proudly presents Jazz In Progress-Monk In Motion, featuring in concert, the top three finalists of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. This year the renowned competition was devoted to jazz piano, and the three finalists, pianists Aaron Parks (Washington), Gerald Clayton (born in the Netherlands, currently residing in California), and Tigran Hamasyan (Armenia, currently residing in California), were singled out from a strong field of twelve semi- finalist musicians by the competition's distinguished panel of judges, including Herbie Hancock, Andrew Hill, Danilo Perez, Renee Rosnes, Billy Taylor and Randy Weston. Each of the three concerts of the Jazz In Progress-Monk In Motion Series will feature one finalist leading their ensemble, demonstrating the perpetually diverse nature of jazz, and showcasing three of the plethora of exciting, young musicians making jazz their life's work. Jazz In Progress-Monk In Motion Concert Schedule: Tigran Hamasyan - Monday, November 20, 2006. Tigran Hamasyan was born in Gyumri, Armenia and began playing piano at age 10. He currently attends the University of Southern California where he is studying jazz piano. Influenced by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, Miles Davis and Bud Powell, Hamasyan began writing his first piano compositions at a young age. He recently won first prize at the Monaco Jazz Soloist Competition and has performed at concerts, competitions, festivals throughout Europe. Aaron Parks - Monday, November 27, 2006. Aaron Parks was raised in Seattle, Washington and began playing piano at age 10, learning mostly by ear. He began is career in jazz at the age of 16 after leaving the University of Washington to focus more intently on jazz studies at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. Parks won first place in the 5th American Jazz Piano Competition and is a Cole Porter Fellow of the American Pianist Association. Currently, he tours with Terence Blanchard and is featured on Blanchard's CDs Bounce and Flow. Gerald Clayton - December 18. Gerald Clayton was born in Utrecht, The Netherlands and was raised in Los Angeles. He began playing piano at the age of five. Currently, Clayton is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. In addition to his studies, Clayton performs frequently and has played with a host of well-respected musicians including Benny Green, Mulgrew Miller, Kenny Baron, and Clark Terry. He recently appeared on Back in the Swing of Things with the Clayton Brothers. Since 1987, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has presented the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, the most prestigious jazz competition in the world. Each year, more than $60, 000 in scholarships and prizes are awarded to talented young musicians and composers. The scholarships help pay tuition for college-level jazz education studies and provide funds for private, specialized instruction. The competition focuses on a different instrument every year and features an outstanding all-star judging panel. Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Dave Brubeck, Marian McPartland, and Diana Krall have all served as judges at past competitions. The Institute has presented competitions for piano, bass, drums, hand drums, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, vocals and trombone. In September 2006, the competition once again showcased piano, in celebration of the Institute's 20th Anniversary, with the semifinals taking place at the Smithsonian Institution's Baird Auditorium and the finals at the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. The judging panel and special guests featured a number of distinguished jazz artists, including Herbie Hancock, Andrew Hill, Quincy Jones, Danilo Perez, Renee Rosnes, and Billy Taylor. This year, Quincy Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Billy Dee Williams hosted the event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Herbie Hancock served as chairman with Bill Cosby and Billy Dee Williams as co-chairs. Honorary co-chairs included Madeleine Albright and Alma and Colin Powell. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |