Pictured, The Monk Rowe Trio performs “Jazz, Blues and Songs by Request” at the OPL Sept. 30, featuring from left Monk Rowe, John Hutson and Tom McGrath.
(Oneida, NY – Sept. 2015) Coming to Oneida Public Library on Wednesday evening Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the Monk Rowe Trio will perform a free concert entitled “Jazz, Blues and Songs by Request.”
Acclaimed in Central New York and beyond, the trio features Monk Rowe on saxophone and keyboard, John Hutson on guitar and vocals and Tom McGrath on drums.
Rowe has made his name as a jazz performer, composer and educator. A native of Irondequoit, and a graduate of SUNY Fredonia in music, Rowe is currently an adjunct instructor in music at Hamilton College and director of the college’s Jazz Archive. For the Archive, he is gathering video interviews with legendary jazz performers and personalities, with over 300 such interviews already completed.
Guitarist John Hutson, a native of Indiana, has been performing the guitar for decades, including a notable 19-year stint in Los Angeles, where he attended the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood and did years of studio work for notable blues artists like George Benson and jazz trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Moving to Upstate New York, Hutson has opened NORPA Recording Services in New Hartford and teaches guitar and piano.
Percussionist Tom McGrath has performed both live and in the studio with numerous singers and musicians, including Carmin Turco, Aretha Franklin and Odetta. Since 2005, he has lived in Central New York and kept up a crowded performance schedule with local musical groups. He has also released two recordings of original music: “Ten Shades of Blue” and “Pictures at the Family House.”
Under Monk Rowe’s direction, the Trio specializes in impressive improvisation. In “Jazz, Blues and Songs by Request,” the Trio will take on song requests from members of the audience and improvise on the spot.
The Monk Rowe trio concert is free and open to the public.
For more information, stop by the Oneida Library, 220 Broad St., or call 315-363-3050.