Eric Reed is perhaps best known as the pianist of choice for a variety of Wynton Marsalis's ensembles in the early to mid-1990's. But he has also worked with Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, and many others. In recent years he has specialized in the music of Thelonious Monk on three albums: "The Dancing Monk," "The Baddest Monk," and "The Adventurous Monk." He'll explore all of those angles and more when his trio visits the Hochstein School for a concert held in conjunction with Exodus to Jazz' Friday night presentation of "Monk: The Play."

Eric Reed performs Saturday, February 22, 8 p.m. at Hochstein School of Music, 50 N. Plymouth Ave. $25-$43 (students $15-$17)/ ExodusToJazz.com, BrownPaperTickets.com.