Ernest Turner plays Thelonious Monk

Award-winning pianist and composer Ernest Turner performs a tribute in celebration of jazz legend and North Carolina native Thelonious Monk’s 102nd birthday.

North Carolina native Thelonious Monk put our region on the map, being recognized in the North Carolina Hall of Fame as a creator of modern jazz and bebop. Monk is the second most recorded jazz artist right after Duke Ellington, with famous songs like “Well, you Needn’t” “Blue Monk”, and “Round Midnight”. Recognized musically for his blues compositions, Monk couldn’t be missed in person with his notorious sunglasses and a tendency to take a break playing piano to get up and dance.

Ernest Turner, an award-winning pianist and composer from North Carolina who has recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz and pop music, including Delfeayo Marsalis, John Legend, and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. While most of his formal training occurred in New Orleans, Turner brings his high-octane style back to his home community. His debut studio album, My Americana (2019) demonstrates the energy and thoughtfulness that make Turner the perfect performer to bring Thelonious Monk’s music to life at the JAZZ ROOM.

Ernest Turner, piano
Stephen Riley, tenor saxophone
Jeremy “Bean” Clemons, drums
Kevin Beardsley, bass