Monkeyworks is a seven piece instrumental ensemble that embodies an "original blend" of many musical styles.  While the sound has characteristics of Jazz, Rock, African, Cajun, Middle  Eastern, and Ambient Music, the driving force behind Monkeyworks is the group chemistry. The result is a "whole greater than the sum of its parts" atmosphere.  The "blend" at any given moment may be like nothing you've heard before, yet the  music remains accessible. Imagine Weather Report or Oregon melding with The Meters, Dollar Brand and the Mahavishnu  Orchestra - with a touch of Trip Hop, and some beautifully noisy chunks of skronk. The present incarnation of  the group has been together since November 1997, although the early roots of  Monkeyworks trace back to 1988.  Monkeyworks has played at many varied venues and festivals in the New York / New Jersey metropolitan area, including Manhattan’s Guggenheim Museum’s WorldBeat Jazz concert series and   The Knitting Factory and Downtime concert spaces, and New Jersey’s Crossroads, Dancing Goat Cafe, and Van Gogh's Ear cafes / clubs.  And outdoor jazz and rock festival dates too numerous to mention. The band is in rotation on independent radio stations such as National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered” program,   John Schaefer’s New Sounds on WNYC, and New York's  91.1 WFMU - where Monkeyworks has also done a live radio performance. Monkeyworks’ self-titled first CD has enjoyed a warm reception and glowing reviews, and it second CD - Seeking - has recenty been released, and warmly received by critics.