Monk @ 94

Thelonious Monk, who would have turned 94 next week, was one of the most prolific and original improvisers in the history of jazz. And, even though it's been 40 years since Monk was last heard live in NYC, his aggressive attack and angular harmonies still hold significant sway over today's pianists.

Back in 2007, Jim Luce, producer of the Caramoor and Charlie Parker Jazz Festivals, started an annual tribute to Monk at the World Financial Center's Winter Garden, slated to continue right up to the 100th anniversary of Monk's birth in 2017. For today's celebration, Luce brought together eight pianists (and one harpist) from a variety of musical backgrounds, highlighting the varied strands of Monk's influence. Among them were Chinese pianist Shan-Shan Sun, who showed off Monk's classical side, interspersing intricate improvisations with through-composed works, throwing in a Schubert Impromptu for good measure. And Cuban pianist Adonis Gonzales (pictured above), who's up for a Latin Grammy this year, displayed remarkable deftness despite having abnormally large hands that looked to be better suited for football than piano. I swear, I've never seen anyone with such flexible thumbs.

More pics on the photo page.