MONKadelphia came together during the waning years of the last century, strictly as a rehearsal band interested in learning all of the compositions written by the uniquely iconoclastic Thelonious Monk. A few actual paying gigs ensued, and the band released an eponymous CD (www.dreamboxmedia.com) from a 1999 live concert at Rowan University in 2000 (many copies remain). After years of pursuing myriad individual projects, Tony Miceli (vibes), Tom Lawton (piano), Chris Farr (sax), Micah Jones (bass) and Jim Miller (drums) reunited to record a studio project on February 18 and July 27, 2009, the two sessions going from approximately midnight to four AM (in order to save precious studio time money). The rich source material - combined with their organic group chemistry - provides them with opportunities to endlessly explore Monk's intriguing musical architecture, as saxophonist Dave Liebman wrote: "Here's a group of musicians who have dedicated themselves to the music of the great Thelonious. As Steve Lacy knew in the late 1950's when he immersed himself in Monk's music, it's like a giant house with rooms to be explored and discovered forever. MONKadelphia puts a spin on the music while respecting its integrity and sustaining the underlying humor and passion which marks this amazing repertoire. They are definitely enjoying themselves as you will, too!"

"This collection of all things Monk really catches fire.
Most groups sight-read the compositions and expel the solos automatically...but there's a deeper confluence at work here. Maybe it's the attention to the mysteries of Monkishness, like beginning the next song where the last soloist left off. Or the continual search for quirky humor and brain-changing dissonance.
This quintet takes group therapy to a higher level. Tenor saxophonist Chris Farr teases, cajoles, and confounds, while pianist Tom Lawton is just the most solid of cats, giving art or structure when needed. Bassist Micah Jones and drummer Jim Miller make up the rhythmic core, which bubbles better than a cappuccino machine.
One measure of success is the energy created, and these guys ambulate through the canon, from 'Bemsha Swing' to 'Bye-Ya,' with fresh eyes. This is no retro museum effort...No, the greatest compliment is to take Monk to new places, not stuff him for an exhibit. And this Philly-based quintet accomplishes that."
- Philadelphia Inquirer

"This Philly-based quintet have dedicated themselves to the music of Thelonious Monk...their live album...swings like mad and pays exacting homage. Vibraphonist Tony Micelli, pianist Tom Lawton, saxophonist Chris Farr, bassist Micah Jones and drummer Jim Miller give a lesson in Monk, and it glows."
- Philadelphia Weekly

"The program is weighted toward unobvious Monk tunes, which provides further evidence of the intelligence of Monkadelphia's approach.
It's great to hear vibes on these tunes: When Tony Miceli's notes hang in the air to create a flavor of Monkish dissonance, the effect is delicious. Pianist Tom Lawton manages to evoke the master's voice without being imitative - no mean feat - and tenorman Chris Farr is a good soloist who listens well to what is going on around him.
Singer Suzanne Cloud...gives a good account of herself on the three vocal cuts...well worth hearing."
- JazzTimes

"They do good things with his work. The entire band is forceful. Tony Micelli's vibes add a nice dreamy texture to the sound and Chris Farr plays lovely, straightforward tenor on 'Monk's Dream' and 'We See.' There are also vocals from Suzanne Cloud...a stellar exploration of the Monk canon." - Cadence

"...the players have created their own approach to Thelonious' challenging music...the style that distinguishes this CD involves colors and texture. Unrestrained by conventional, and ironically standardized, approaches to Monk's tunes, the musicians of 'MONKadelphia,' while drawing upon the same influence, take his music in personalized directions. Which is as it should be." - Jazz News

"MONKadelphia celebrate(s) the straight-ahead Monk, emphasizing his swingability...a pleasant live set that explores some common and uncommon Monk tunes in a comfortable, hard-bop vein.
Miceli's vibes help soften Monk's rough edges while conveying significant energy. Lawton...adds kaleidoscopic harmonic tweaks that showcase his unique sensibility...Tenor saxophonist Chris Farr provides solo sizzle...Suzanne Cloud also sets down three tasty vocals with lyrics by Jon Hendricks and Abbey Lincoln."
- Philadelphia Inquirer

"This Philadelphia quintet swings hard in its self-titled debut...spontaneous without degenerating into a jam session.
The band's deliberate reading of 'Monk's Mood' is dark and edgy. It recalls the mid-'60s edition of the Miles Davis Quintet that included Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
The best feature of 'MONKadelphia' is its variety. Listeners don't have to be Monk fans to enjoy the CD. The sequence of the songs keeps things moving - and the musicians turn in consistently strong performances."
- The Press of Atlantic City

"This live concert collective project of Philly Monkophiles presents an imaginative set of the great Thelonious' disjunct masterpieces... The group has chosen wisely - 'Monk's Mood,' 'Epistrophy,' 'Blue Monk.' 'Ask Me Now' and a wonderful medley of 'Four In One/Skippy/Trinkle Tinkle.' It's obvious that the group loves this music... There's also vocal versions of 'Monk's Dream,' 'Ask me Now' (Jon Hendrick's lyrics) and 'Blue Monk' (the Abbey Lincoln lyrics). Cloud's versions are straight-no chaser, pleasing takes on the seldom heard cuts." - JazzReview