Alexander, Monty: Here Comes The Sun

Monty Alexander is a Jamaican born jazz pianist who in 1971 released Here Comes The Sun. At the time he had several prior releases but this was his debut on MPS, the highly respected German jazz label although it had only been around for about three years at the time. Joining Alexander are Eugene Wright (bass), Duffy Jackson (drums) and Montego Joe (conga drums). The album has now been remastered and comes in a digipack with liner notes in both German and English.

I have to admit to not being familiar with these musicians which if you are a jazz fan would be a mistake. This quartet is exceptionally talented and Alexander marries the best of American and Latin jazz. The first track “Montevideo� is absolutely joyous in its Latin infused celebration of Island music. Fabulous piano runs and a great rhythmic groove with excellent melodies makes for a fine opening piece. “Where Is Love?� is much more tender and heartfelt with a gorgeous melody. The cymbals and brush work are very calming and subtle yet vital to the song’s construction. The Beatles’ classic “Here Comes The Sun� is given a jazz reworking as Alexander works around the melody with a considerable flair. The solo piano track “This Dream Is Mine� features another sublime melody with a very serene and calming mood. Miles Davis’ “So What� is a rousing album closer with all members getting their calypso groove on. The piano, bass and drum solos are stellar.

If you didn’t catch this the first time around there is no time like the present. Piano led jazz doesn’t get much better than this.

Track Listing:
1. Montevideo (4:21)
2. Where Is Love? (5:04)
3. Here Comes The Sun (4:57)
4. Love Walked In (6:19)
5. Brown Skin Girl (4:36)
6. This Dream Is Mine (4:08)
7. So What (10:29)

Added: June 11th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 839
Language: english

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