Search - Monty Alexander, Ernest Ranglin :: Rocksteady (Hybr)

Transposing pre-reggae Jamaican pop music into a jazz key

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 04/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Besides being a fascinating experiment in musical cross-pollination, the music on this disc spectacularly succeeds both from the standpoint of pure musical genius and as a demonstration of jazz's ability to turn (somewhat) mundane materials (in this case mainly sixties ska and rocksteady tunes) into pure alchemic gold, in the hands of the right players. And that's the key to the success of this disc: both the principals' bona fides as authentic Jamaican pop icons, each having been an integral and essential part of the explosion of pre-reggae music that eventuated in the full glory of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and their absolute mastery of the jazz idiom. That they could magically meld such disparate music materials into one entirely captivating whole bespeaks both their authenticity as original practitioners of Jamaican pre-reggae pop and as stellar jazz improvisers.Really, this disc is the best of both worlds: It centers on that mysterious and mesmeric ska/rocksteady beat, all the while magically expanding its boundaries into authentic jazz territory on account of the leaders' brilliant improvisational talents. Don't miss out on the protean talents of Monty Alexander and Ernest Ranglin, two master of Jamaican music, fully on display here."

Monty's best album in year's

Jan P. Dennis | 04/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best album Monty has made since he started his recent experiments with reggae and jazz. Rocksteady is great groove album craftly blended by jazz musicians; the end result is one hour of pure grooving fun loving, and downright joyous music. It's the magic of Monty's dialogue with Ernest Ranglin that helps make this work so well. There is rarely a minute when either one of them isn't inventing a lick that has you smiling. Add to that the rhythm section which is so very tight and supportive, especially the drummer, although I think the acoustic bass really helps make this a unique band as wellAlthough songs include ska tunes (Confucius), it's the rocksteady tunes that dominate. Most people know The Israelites, but there are wonderful versions of Double Barrel, Freedom Street and my favorite Stalag 17. They also cover early reggae classics like Marcus Garvey and two classics by the Congos, then finishing up with Marley's Redemption song. Kudos to Monty and his guest Ranglin for this album, let's hope it's the continuation of a beautiful friendship."

A seamless syncretism of two time-honored aural traditions.

Jan P. Dennis | 04/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here we have what must be on of the finest, (and most successful) attempts to bring jazz and reggae to bear upon each other. This album is primarily a treat because of Alexander's master piano work, riveting in its straight-forward yet complex renderings as always. The reggae classics that were selected are likewise wonderful, and are obviously geared to those that have grown beyond Legend in their pursuit of the irie sound. The Congos, Burning Spear, and Toots and the Maytals are all used as inspiration for some truly innovative renditions. Toots Hibbert even makes an appearance on vocals. A tremendous bit of music that will satisfy jazzheads and reggae lovers alike...and just in time for spring. Buy this."