Bennett Roth Trio – Tribute to Thelonious Monk

The Bennett Roth Trio brings their thoughtful interpretation of Thelonious Monk's groundbreaking compositions to Kuumbwa Jazz Center, featuring pianist Bennett Roth, electric bassist William Johnston Bohrer, and drummer Michael Henning. Drawing from one of his most significant influences, Roth approaches Monk's angular melodies and unconventional harmonies through the lens of a modern jazz pianist who seamlessly blends bebop tradition with contemporary sensibilities.

Roth has established himself as a versatile artist whose latest album It'll Always Work Out demonstrates his ability to weave funk, samba, and hip-hop elements into sophisticated jazz compositions. A 2022 San Jose Jazz Aid Fund Grantee and 2024 Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists Award recipient, he brings both technical precision and emotional depth to his performances. His compositions have reached television audiences through the Amazon series Cross and his film score for the documentary San Jose Is Not For Sale.

Expect an evening that honors Monk's legacy while showcasing the trio's modern approach to the piano trio format. Reviews of Roth's performances describe music that takes listeners "on a whirlwind ride" with piano work that moves "between delicate, tickled keys and hard-jammed notes." The trio's chemistry, built through extensive collaboration, creates what critics call "a masterful balance of intricate compositions and spontaneous improvisation."

The program will feature Monk's timeless compositions alongside selections from Roth's own catalog, presented across two sets that highlight both the angular beauty of Monk's writing and the trio's contemporary interpretations. Having performed at major venues including SFJAZZ Center, Yoshi's, and the San Jose Jazz Festival, Roth brings the experience of an accomplished bandleader who has shared stages with artists including Matt Wilson, John Handy, and Carl Allen.

This tribute represents more than repertoire performance—it's an exploration of how Monk's revolutionary approach to harmony and rhythm continues to inspire new generations of jazz musicians seeking to balance tradition with innovation.