Music: Monk Tribute – Craig Crofton/Martin Jenkins

Bristol saxophonist Craig Crofton and pianist Martin Jenkins team up to host a night dedicated to the legendary jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk. For most jazz lovers Monk’s music is instantly recognisable, known for his unique style on the piano and quirky melodies that seem to instantly become earworms! Monk’s formative years were spent in New York City’s Minton’s Playhouse and he was crucial in the formulation of bebop, which revolutionised jazz and sent it into the musical stratosphere. Monk shared the stage and recorded with most of the greatest jazz legends of all time including Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane – and the sax player with whom he resonated the most, Charlie Rouse. Charlie was a member of Thelonious Monk’s quartet from 1959 to 1970 and was featured on some of the most iconic and best-selling Monk albums. Expect some of the most recognisable Monk compositions along with some lesser known gems. There will also be one or two Monk inspired original compositions written by Craig and Martin. Joining them on rhythm will be the inestimable Pasquale Votino on bass and Paolo Adamo on drums.

Tonight’s line-up is really a reunion for Craig and Martin since they used to lead the band Freight together from 2010 to 2015, at which time Martin left Bristol for his new home in Devon, from where he is currently performing regularly with the Neil Burns Organ Trio, including collaborations with The Haggis Horns and UK jazz artists Steve Waterman and Roger Beaujolais. Other artists Martin has been fortunate to work with over the years in a live or recording context include Tommaso Starace, Tina May, Gareth Lockrane, Zoe Francis, Charlie Jones, David Rhodes, David “Pic” Conley and the late guitarist Frank Evans.

Craig Crofton is an Anglo-American sax and flute player who has lived in the UK for over 20 years and has built up a great reputation for the power and visceral excitement of his playing. A protégé of Marcus Printup (Lincoln Center Orchestra) he has come to develop a unique sound of his own that stands out in many musical settings. Craig has featured with artists like Kasabian, Lack of Afro, Haggis Horns, Nitin Sawhney, This is The Kit,  Mr Benn, Chris Monkey and is at the forefront of popular Bristol bands  Phantom Ensemble, Baila la Cumbia, Dockside Latin Orchestra, Radio Banska and Dub From Atlantis to name a few. He has also shared the stage with jazz greats including Wynton Marsalis, Maceo Parker, Dr Lonnie Smith, John Faddis, Pee Wee Ellis, has been featured on BBC Radio 4 “Loose Ends” and worked at world-renowned venues like Ronnie Scott’s and The Blue Note in New York City.