Search - Monty Alexander :: Echoes of Jilly's

The Best Jamaican Music

Samuel Chell | Kenosha,, WI United States | 07/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not only is this a spirited Sinatra tribute, out-swinging similar efforts by Oscar Peterson and Joe Lovano, but it captures some of the enormous physical energy, joie de de vivre, and non-stop inventiveness that were in evidence on practically all of Monty's early recordings. Sadly, some of his best LPs from the 60s and 70s have never been reissued on CD. All the more reason to snap this one up. You'll have a hard time finding a piano trio these days that swings any harder.This would not be my pick for an Alexander-led rhythm section. Monty's roar is so extroverted and mighty that he's best showcased in the company of muscle players like Ray Brown and power percussionists like Bobby Durham and Duffy Jackson. Nonetheless, the virtuosic Patitucci shows he's not averse to walking like a trouper and Davis compensates for any weakness in the left foot with exceptionally crisp and commanding brush work. Benny Green has shown flashes, but only Monty can play the straightahead, two-handed, melodically swinging style characteristic of an Oscar, Gene Harris, or even his fellow Jamaican, Wynton Kelly. Let's hope there are enough listeners to keep the fire burning."

Alexander Plays Sinatra

Dr. Glenn | USA | 02/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great tunes performed superbly. When I saw Monty play a few of these tunes live and when I listen to the tracks on this CD, I imagine Monty at Jilly's, playing for Sinatra and his guests throughout the evening at this New York restaurant. "Echoes of Jilly's" is one of my favorite recordings. A magnificient CD, performed by a phenomenal pianist and two skilled sidemen."

Very accomplished jazz piano trio

scharkie@aol.com | los angeles | 07/10/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"monty alexander's music begins as highly ev olved cocktail piano (but then so does art tatum) and ends up as beautifully executed jazz. It's tucked in - nobody is taking any big chances - but it works perfectly. Sinatra fans will love hearing the 'big hits' reworked as piano jazz."