Search - Monty Alexander :: Jamento

The Magnificence of Monty

Charles Andrew Whitehead | Fort Worth, Texas | 03/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monty Alexander, the incredibly versatile Jamaican pianist is wholly successful in his efforts to blend the jazz mainstream with his cultural heritage in a program of mostly originals. Of his several recordings whose goal is to primarily mix these styles, this is one of the earliest and best (try hard to acquire the 1977 "Cobilimbo" on MPS) because the integrity of each remains intact while the music swings and grooves like crazy. And solos.....phew! There is a wonderful lyrical quality and rhythmic drive about Monty's best solos (listen to Richard Evans "Sugarloaf") that embrace a large body of jazz tradition (and beyond) and yet his awesome command of the piano is consistently informed here with rock-solid musical intelligence. "Sugarloaf" also reveals Monty's trademark mix of chord voicings with beautifully moving inner parts. However it is his wonderful rhythmic sense that most clearly reveals his cultural background. His solos really build to that key moment with great forward propulsion. The presence of Jamaican guitar virtuoso Ernest Ranglin and an entirely sympathetic rhythm section add enormously to the impact creating a chemistry where sparks are really flying. You can feel how responsive these guys are to one other and the wonderful vitality in this music comes across fresh with each hearing. Thanks for the music Monty!"