Search - Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander :: Soul Fusion (Mlps)

Excellent music that deserves to be heard

Charles Andrew Whitehead | Fort Worth, Texas | 08/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the best places to start hearing the music of the classic Monty Alexander Trio of the 70s (Jeff Hamilton drums and John Clayton on bass) together with vibist great Milt Jackson. It was Milt Jackson who bought Monty to Ray Brown's attention in the late 60s and these musicians recorded together on the Impulse label as early as 1969. John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton were part of the Trio that recorded the 1976 "Live In Montreux" album with Monty (as well as other MPS albums like "Live in Holland", "The Way It Is" and the 1983 Concord "Reunion In Europe") and their playing here with Milt in 1977 consistently swings hard, is dynamically sensitive and capable of sounding like a much bigger group when necessary. The arrangements are all tastefully handled and Monty himself is ever responsive and inspired by Milt's playing as he provides some wonderfully colorful comping and solos throughout this album. There is a funky "Soul Fusion", blues cuts, contemporary pop of the time ("Isn't She Lovely"), Richard Evans "Bossa Do Marilla", an inspired "Once I Loved" by Jobim and others. It adds up to an invigorating ensemble album and leaves you with a totally uplifted feeling. I consider this recording to be some of the best jazz playing this group has recorded and it should be considered a necessary acquisition. Enjoy!"

Good get together

Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 09/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Milt Jackson and Monty Alexander always worked well together; the association seemed especially to inspire Alexander. YANO, a 12-bar blues, is a highlight of the CD, with Alexander shining on his solo. The group likes to switch tempos within songs, usually going from slow to medium or up and then back to slow again. They do this effectively on COMPASSION and 3000 MILES, where the quicker middle section is really good. The title track, a weak fusion piece, falters somewhat, but the rest of this CD is very nice."

Magisterial

S J Buck | 09/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As with the Soul Route album, this is top class latter day Jackson. Highly recommended."