The KCCK Featured CD for September is “Monk’estra Volume One” by John Beasley. The pianist, composer and arranger has shared stages with some of the most important names in jazz during his three decade career, from Freddie Hubbard’s quintet and Miles Davis’ last touring bands to his role as music director for the Thelonious Monk Institute. As the centennial of Monk’s birth rapidly approaches, Beasley and his versatile big band have grappled with the complex composer’s legacy, riffing on the wit and unmistakable architecture of the Monk songbook with irrepressible energy and swinging abandon. The resulting disc — “John Beasley Presents Monk’estra Volume One” — is on Mack Avenue Records. Click here to purchase the CD.