Min Xiao-Fen's "Mao, Monk and Me" - In celebration of the 100th birthday of Thenonious Monk Min Xiao-Fen: pipa, ruan, sanxian, cymbals and voice Hailed by The New York Times as “a pipa player like no other,” the Village Voice as an artist who “has taken her ancient Chinese string instrument into the future” and Wall Street Journal, “Ms. Min's story is distinct.” Born in the ancient capital of Nanjing, Min Xiao-Fen interweaves Chinese folk music, regional operas and Taoist music with the sounds of John Cage, jazz and blues. Her works transcend borders with their own brand of cutting-edge fusion. Min’s latest solo set, “Mao, Monk and Me,” features her treatments of jazz standards by Thelonious Monk mixed with their historical Chinese counterparts. As a young girl coming of age during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), the reformed Beijing Operas and folk songs she heard from the many regions were dedicated to the workers and soldiers. After moving to the United States, she was inspired once again - this time by Thelonious Monk. 1. Ask Me Now - Monk/Min 2. Spring Is Coming - Min 3. San - Monk/Min In the Chinese language, "san" means three. This composition consists of three notes and is inspired by Monk's Raise Four. 4. For Our Children - Monk/Min A combination of Monk's Children's Song and a Chinese folk song for children, A Little Cow Herder. 5. North of the Sunset - Monk/Min 6. My Monk's Dream - Monk/Min When I was a little girl, I heard operas from the many regions of China. After I came to New York, I heard Monk for the first time. 7. Misterioso - Monk/Min