Thelonious Monk

What would have happened if eccentric genius Thelonious Monk had encountered four of the best Twin Cities jazzmen on the stage of one of the premiere jazz clubs in the Midwest? Trumpeter Steve Kenny, pianist Peter Schimke, bassist Billy Peterson and drummer Kenny Horst first asked that question in 2010, and will give us some idea of the answer when they reunite at the Artists Quarter on Tuesday, May 22nd.

Monk’s quirky behavior (many assumed he was truly crazy), individual style, and unique compositions were far ahead of the bop and post bop inventions that followed many years later. For a long time, only the most sophisticated jazz musicians, including Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane, appreciated his genius. Yet today, variations of Monk’s compositions are part of the standard repertoire of jazz, from straight ahead to avant garde. In fact, Monk’s compositions have long provided a fertile playground for agile and creative musicians, and Kenny, Schimke, Peterson and Horst fit that description to a tee. 

Steve Kenny©Andrea Canter

Peter Schimke is one of the busiest keyboard virtuosos in the Twin Cities today, appearing frequently at the AQ, Dakota, and just about anywhere else that requires first class comping and soloing on piano or Fender Rhodes. A favorite keyboardist of many local and national artists, as well as a leader of his own trio, Schimke displays his skills as composer and sometimes vocalist with PipJazz, How Birds Work, and frequently in duo with saxophone master Irv Williams.

Billy Peterson©Andrea Canter

Kenny Horst isn’t busy enough running the Artists’ Quarter, he also tends the drum kit with many of the AQ’s visiting and local artists, and anchors the Tuesday Night Band weekly at the AQ. He also performs regularly with How Birds Work and now and then at other venues with groups such as the Dean Granros Trio. Says Don Berryman (Jazz Police), “Great hard-bop, soul jazz, and fusion chops and the sweetest guy you could meet.”  

Any tribute to Thelonious Monk is bound to be both inspiration and entertainment, and there will be no shortage of either on May 22nd, at the Artists Quarter. 

The Artists Quarter is located at 408 St Peter Street in the lower level of the Hamm Building, in downtown St. Paul. Sets begin at 9 pm, cover $15; West End Tacos available for a mere $2 each. www.artistsquarter.com  

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