Search - Monty Alexander :: The Good Life: Monty Alexander Plays the Songs of Tony Bennett

My New Favorite Jazz Pianist

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 06/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

""His is an infectious, rhythmic style containing a formidable technique that serves him unerringly without drawing undue attention away from the joyous, soulful, reverent and songful improvisations that spring from head and heart-informed fingers." ~ Ira Gitler ~



"Tony Bennett is one of the wonders of the world. All throughout the many years, his music has greatly enriched my life. I love him and I love his gift that he so generously shares with those of us who want to be taken to a world of beauty." ~ Monty Alexander ~



I am envious of a friend of mine who had the great pleasure of watching one of Monty Alexander's live concerts, but I am so grateful to him for buying this CD after the concert and having the great jazz pianist himself inscribed it for me. Thank you very much once again for the kindest gesture. What a priceless gift that is definitely a keeper! A million thanks also to Mr. Alexander for the inscription. It is a very welcome addition to my collection of inscribed CDs.



One of the main reasons why I appreciate an impressive talent such as Monty Alexander is that I could hear influences from my top two favorite jazz pianists--Oscar Peterson and George Shearing--from his style of playing. He could pull off any tune and play it beautifully. Simply give it your undivided attention and listen closely to my favorites and the highlights of this program--"Because of You," "The Way You Look Tonight," "Smile," "Just A Little Street" and "Once Upon A Time"--and you will surely know how terrific he really is as a jazz piano player. He is backed by Lorin Cohen (bass) and George Fludas (drums), who also gave their best on the entire program.



What I loved most in Oscar Peterson's pianistic style, which he was well-known for, was his ingenuity in playing snippet of a tune within a tune, which Monty Alexander does cleverly on some tracks.



After enjoying this CD, "The Good Life: Monty Alexander Plays The Songs of Tony Bennett," and one of his recorded live concerts on DVD, The Paris Concert (courtesy of the same friend), Monty Alexander is now my new favorite jazz pianist. He joins my list of the best pianists in the history of jazz. This is one of the best tributes to the greatness of a living legend, Tony Bennett, who is one of Monty Alexander's favorite singers along with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Billy Eckstine, and whom he describes as "a most gracious gentleman."



It is such a delightful listening adventure in which every second and every minute is time well-spent...never a dull moment! I wholeheartedly recommend it to all jazz fans who appreciate a remarkable pianist and the definitive songs that are identified with Tony Bennett.



"Just relax and let the music come to you. The way the trio brings it on the swingers, and allows the melodies of the ballads to breathe, makes this set's arrival as welcome as a gracefully lofted spiral from a quarterback to a wide receiver. I'm sure that when Tony hears it he'll put on a happy face and just smile along with the rest of us." ~ Ira Gitler ~

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