The Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander has worked with musicians such as Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sonny Rollins, but over the years he has always managed to wed North American improvisation to reggae and Jamai... more »can folk rhythms. This CD is a happy hybrid of all of the above. Alexander weaves his American rhythm section consisting of drummer Troy Davis, bassist Hassan Shakur, and guitarist Derrick Di Cenzo with the five-man Jamaican ensemble Gumption--who back up dancehall stars like Buju Banton: drummer Rolando Alphonso, guitarist Robert Angus, keyboardist Dwight Dawes, bassist Glen Brownie, and percussionist Desy Jones. The result: Imagine the Nat King Cole Trio sitting in with the Wailers and you'll get the CD's boppish island-breezed vibe. Alexander and crew stick to Marley's melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures. Spliff anthem "Jamming," title tune "Kaya," and "Could You Be Loved" can rock any sports utility vehicle or summer festival, while "Heathen" rings with Alexander's raindrop chords, piercing melodica, and ethereal tonal shadings. The ska-guitar scratches drive "Is This Love?" and Alexander's gospelish pianisms echo Marley's loving laments on "No Woman No Cry." Steve Turre makes a guest appearance and his splendid seashell sound heralds "I Shot the Sheriff." Alexander's plaintive composition "Nesta"--Marley's middle name--is spiced by Jones's Rastafarian nyabinghi conga rhythms and completes this jazzy "jump up" carnival. --Eugene Holley Jr.« less
The Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander has worked with musicians such as Milt Jackson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sonny Rollins, but over the years he has always managed to wed North American improvisation to reggae and Jamaican folk rhythms. This CD is a happy hybrid of all of the above. Alexander weaves his American rhythm section consisting of drummer Troy Davis, bassist Hassan Shakur, and guitarist Derrick Di Cenzo with the five-man Jamaican ensemble Gumption--who back up dancehall stars like Buju Banton: drummer Rolando Alphonso, guitarist Robert Angus, keyboardist Dwight Dawes, bassist Glen Brownie, and percussionist Desy Jones. The result: Imagine the Nat King Cole Trio sitting in with the Wailers and you'll get the CD's boppish island-breezed vibe. Alexander and crew stick to Marley's melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures. Spliff anthem "Jamming," title tune "Kaya," and "Could You Be Loved" can rock any sports utility vehicle or summer festival, while "Heathen" rings with Alexander's raindrop chords, piercing melodica, and ethereal tonal shadings. The ska-guitar scratches drive "Is This Love?" and Alexander's gospelish pianisms echo Marley's loving laments on "No Woman No Cry." Steve Turre makes a guest appearance and his splendid seashell sound heralds "I Shot the Sheriff." Alexander's plaintive composition "Nesta"--Marley's middle name--is spiced by Jones's Rastafarian nyabinghi conga rhythms and completes this jazzy "jump up" carnival. --Eugene Holley Jr.
"I was blown away when i picked this up yesterday. Monty not just with his trio, but with a reggae band as well. The result is a superb hour of Bob Marley tunes played by a thrilling combination of jazz and reggae artists. The album starts off with Jammin and then just gets better and better. There's a great gospel/reggae version of No Woman no Cry, a wonderful ska version Of I Shot the Sherriff, and tracks like Stir it Up and Could you be Loved are gonna be on played on my cd player all through summer. If you don't know, Monty he is from Jamaica so his background is perfect for this project (probably why Sly Dunbar agreed to be on the record). His piano playing is very accesible and not long winded like so many jazz musicians nowadays. For me this is his best record in years."
Stir It Up: The Music Of Bob Marley
errol mccammon | Warboys, England | 01/27/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sublime! If there is anyone who wants to hear creditable interpretations of Bob's music, then this is the cd to buy. The piano sweetly plays Bob's melodies as the musicians effortlessly switch between reggae and jazz; and the reggae sections will give you a very close feel to what the originals are like. Monty's choice of songs is also good (let's face it there are are a lot of songs to choose from) - from songs that first brought Bob to international prominence(No Woman No Cry, Natty Dread) to later favourites(Jamming, Could You Be Loved), and to include my all time fave Crisis is just unerring. Forget other tributes that are on offer - this is the best!"
Huddy audiophile from Queens N.Y.
Hudson G TANNIS | LAURELTON, NEW YORK United States | 11/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a Bob Marley fan,I was nervous that this cd would not do justice to the originals from the master himself.Well, I was pleasantly surprised,an outstanding effort by Mr.Alexander.This cd is the perfect antidote for everyday stress especially from work.This is an excellent blend of reggae and jazz with masterful piano work.Highly recommended to the Bob Marley fans that can apppreciate these classic songs..my favorite track is #9.simply smooth, elegant."
Monty Alexander Scores Again
Daniel G. Berk | West Bloomfield, Michigan | 03/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I've not been a particular fan of Bob Marley's music, these performances by Monty Alexander give the music great accessability. Alexander is a consumate musician; these performances are first rate and reward the listener handsomely."
Reggae and jazz come together
Randy W. Kemp | Boston, MA. United States | 01/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Monty and his crew take Bob's music to a different level and yet he ads a dimension that even Bob would be proud of. He combines both the jazz and reggae and interweaves both so perfectly as one and yet still remaining true to Bob's music in Monty's own personal interpretation of Bob's music. Monty and his musicians honors both the jazz and Reggae and yet this cd remains a reggae disc with touches of Jazz flavored throughout. Splendid job by Monty and his pals."