Through their postcompetition work, some former Monk winners trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and percussionist Pedrito Martinez, for instance make a case in the affirmative.

WSJ: Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drums Competition | The Future of the Beat | By Larry Blumenfeld

Mostly, however, these are new compositions played by a group of innovative musicians who are decades Mr. DeJohnette's junior bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, saxophonist Tim Ries, guitarist Lionel Loueke and percussionist Luisito Quintero.

WSJ: Jack DeJohnette | Playing Musical Chairs | Cultural Conversation by Larry Blumenfeld