Milt Jackson understood and appreciated Thelonious Monk in the 1940s, when Monk was ignored and ridiculed by most musicians. Jackson was one of the first to see into the depths of Monk's music and grasp its implications. He was with Monk on two 1948 recording sessions that turned out to be milestones in the maturing of modern jazz. In all the years since, he has been a major interpreter of Monk's compositions, eager for opportunities to perform them and to emphasize Monk's stature. Here, in a London club engagement, the great vibraharpist plays four of Monk's best known works in tribute to his friend. He is accompanied by a formidable trio, the towering bassist Ray Brown, pianist Monty Alexander, and drummer Mickey Roker. In addition to the Monk segment, the program includes "Django," long associated with Jackson and the Modern Jazz Quartet, and blues pieces written by Jackson and Brown.

with Monty Alexander, Ray Brown, Mickey Roker