Paying tribute to a jazz icon can be a tricky undertaking. Even more pitfalls are involved if the icon is eccentric pianist and composer Thelonious Sphere Monk (1917-1982). If you’re not careful, you can end up simply imitating the great man. Luckily, the Belgian-American trio MixMonk have no trouble avoiding such traps. The group have been touring Europe with their Monk program for two years, gaining experience at several major festivals and having played on the radio a number of times. MixMonk’s strength lies in being able to honor Monk while still playing their own music. Recently, the trio cashed in on their experience and recorded the album MixMonk, a mix of Monk compositions and matching original ones. MixMonk is made up of famous drummer Joey Baron (1955), young Belgian pianist Bram De Looze (1991), and saxophonist Robin Verheyen (1983). The chance to see Joey Baron who has played with so many greats is sure to draw a crowd.
