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  • JoeWhip
    JoeWhip

    Monty Alexander Favorites

    I have been a jazz fan essentially since birth. My dad was a musician and band leader who played jazz at home, so while others my age were listening to The Stones or eagerly anticipating the next Led Zeppelin album, I was listening to the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Nat Cole, Oscar Peterson and Mel Torme. Yeah, I know, I was the kid in school with the weird taste in music. It was not until I was in college that I was exposed to the genius of Monty Alexander, who in my humble opinion, is one of the finest jazz pianists of all time. I am somewhat amazed that when chatting with friends and even fellow audiophiles who enjoy jazz, how many of them have never heard of Monty or if they have, have only a vague notion of who he is. I thought a piece here at the recently rebranded Audiophile Style, would be a good opportunity to introduce this artist to a wider audience. The purpose of this piece is not to discuss his entire catalogue but to provide a short list of my favorites, that showcase why I find him to be one of the jazz greats.

     

    Monty Alexander was born in Jamaica and arrived in the US at the age of 17. He was discovered by Frank Sinatra at his club, Jilly’s, and the rest, as they say, is history. Monty’s music can basically be described as straight ahead jazz with a mix of soul, bop and reggae. The influence of his place of birth is unmistakeable and what makes him unique as a jazz pianist. His music is simply infectious. He can take a sappy tune like Feelings, and turn it into a classic. Well, maybe a near classic.  I love how he is able to weave other songs and melodies into his runs. He is inventive, creative and above all else, fun. This is not stodgy Jazz. 

     

    His discography is well over 60 releases. You will undoubtedly note that quite a few of my recommendations are live vs. studio recordings. The reason for this is that Monty is truly best experienced live. It has been my great privilege to see him perform quite often at various jazz clubs in New York. Each occasion can best be described as a joyful experience. No matter your state of mind when arriving for the show, you will leave a happy camper. Now on to my list of favorite recordings.

     

     

    1. Montreux Alexander- Live at The Montreux Jazz Festival. 

     

    This album was my introduction to Monty’s music. My college radio station was selling off a ton of jazz LPs and I think this one cost me all of 10 cents. Best 10 cents I ever spent. The album features what I consider to be his best trio with Jeff Hamilton on drums and John Clayton on bass. This trio still performs together occasionally. If they happen to be in your town, see them. You won’t regret it. This album features a stompin’ version of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. If it does’t get you moving, you don’t have a pulse.  I have this recording on LP, CD and a fresh high res transfer of the master tape by MPS Records. All are great sounding although I find the most recent transfer from MPS in Germany to be the best. It is available on HD Tracks, Qobuz and Highresaudio.

     

     

    q@2x.png  Listen via Qobuz Montreux Alexander - The Monty Alexander Trio Live at the Montreux Festival (96 Khz)

     

    T.png Listen via Tidal Montreux Alexander - The Monty Alexander Trio Live at the Montreux Festival

     

    H.png Purchase via HDtracks Montreux Alexander - The Monty Alexander Trio Live at the Montreux Festival (24/192)

     

     

     

    2.  Overseas Special

     

    This is another live recording, this time in Tokyo at the Satin Doll jazz club in 1982. It features the great Ray Brown on bass and Herb Ellis on guitar. This trio made several recordings on the Concord label but none are as good as this live recording. While it is clearly a Monty Alexander event, the trio share the time equally, with all three featuring on each tune. It is truly a group effort. My favorite track is that old jazz chestnut, C.C. Rider, with a driving bass solo by Ray Brown on the album’s last cut. This is one very dynamic recording.

     

    Not available for streaming anywhere. Here is a link for more information about the album - LINK

     

     

     

    3. Uplift.

     

    Uplift was released in 2011 on the JPL label and features recordings from Monty’s private collection. The tracks are from various venues from large halls to small clubs and feature his normal touring trio of Hassan Shakur on bass and Herlin Riley on drums. The album is aptly named. My highlights are the opening track, Come Fly With Me, the Monty original Renewal, Django and the finale, Fungi Mama.

     

    q@2x.png  Unavailable from Qobuz (at least in the US)

     

    T.png Listen via Tidal Uplift

     

    Y.jpg Listen via YouTube Uplift

     

     

     

    4. Road Dog 

     

    This is another all live recording and I believe is still only available for purchase at one of Monty’s live gigs. Like Uplift, it consists of private recordings. It includes only original compositions and features the trio, his larger ensemble, The Harlem River Express, as well as solo piano. 

     

    Unavailable for streaming.

     

     

     

    5. Live at the Iridium.

     

    This is a recording from Telarc Jazz from 2005. The sound is excellent although a bit more distant from the ones noted above which put you in the front row. The album features the trio with Hassan Shakur on bass with Mark Taylor on drums and Robert Thomas, Jr. on congas. My favs are the opener, the Nat Adderley Classic, The Work Song, which is a staple of his current shows as well as Little Darlin’.

     

     

    Y.jpg Listen via YouTube to the track Runnin' Away

     

     

     

     

    6. The Duke Ellington Songbook.

     

    This is a recording from 1983 from the MPS label and features Monty on piano and John Clayton on bass. This release features excellent playing as well as sonics. A real feast for the ears.

     

     

    q@2x.png  Listen via Qobuz The Duke Ellington Song Book (24/88.2)

     

    T.png Listen via Tidal The Duke Ellington Song Book

     

    Y.jpg Listen via YouTube The Duke Ellington Song Book

     

     

     

    7. Trio.

     

    For my money, this is the best of the studio sessions with Herb Ellis and Ray Brown on Concord. On the solos, Monty and his piano sounds like it is right in the room with you. Great stuff.

     

    Not available for streaming anywhere. Here is a link for more information about the album - LINK

     

     

     

    8. Facets.

     

    Released in 1979 by Concord, this recording features Ray Brown and Jeff Hamilton. What could go wrong? Nothing. 

     

    Not available for streaming anywhere. Here is a link for more information about the album - LINK

     

     

     

    9. In Tokyo

     

    Released in 1979 on Original Jazz Classics, this set features Andy Simpkins on bass and Frank Gant on drums. The set features many of the tracks that have become staples of the live performances of Monty’s various trios. Straight ahead jazz and bop at its best.

     

     

    q@2x.png  Listen via Qobuz In Tokyo

     

    T.png Listen via Tidal In Tokyo

     

     

     

     

    10. Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Russell Malone 

     

    Technically, this is a Ray Brown date on Telarc and was Ray’s last recording date before his death in 2002. This set is a bit on the smooth side and is great for late night listening with the lights down low.

     

    Not available for streaming anywhere. Here is a link for more information about the album - LINK

     

     

     

    While this list just scratches the surface of what is a rather extensive discography, it features some stellar performances of one of jazz’s greatest pianists. Give a few a spin.  I hope you enjoy! Happy listening. 

     

    Joe




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    While MA isn't the leader here, I really love this live Pablo set from 1982.

     

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    I have been fortunate to see Monty live 5 times. The last was when he was part of the Ray Brown Trio touring with Russel Malone. What a show. Monty's bands have all been great as well. I collect his cds and LPs.

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    I adore Monty Alexander. He just played a four night stand at an old jazz club in DC recently. Unfortunately, it coincided exactly with Axpona, so I had to miss it. 😡

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    Wow, thanks so much for this. I picked up a couple of Monty Alexander discs today because I recognized his name from your article. Blown away is an understatement.

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