From Jamaica
Monty Alexander
Wednesday May 31 and Thursday June 1
Wed 7PM
Thurs 8PM
$25

One of the finest jazz pianists living, Monty Alexander continues to carry on and extend the jazz lexicon. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander has lived in the States since the mid sixties. His passage to New York was secured by none other than Frank Sinatra, who first heard him play with a Jamaican Big Band in Las Vegas. Shortly after arriving in New York, Monty Alexander was discovered by Milt Jackson, Ray Brown, and Dizzy Gillespie, who would all become his long time musical colleagues. While Alexander was and is an able sideman, the majority of his career has been as a leader and he has over 50 recordings released under his name.

Monty Alexander is very much in the jazz tradition, having been heavily influenced by Nat "King" Cole and Oscar Peterson. However, one can hear the influence of his Jamaican heritage as well as the worldliness of an artist who has traveled globally for over 35 years. Currently recording for Cleveland's Telarc Records, Alexander's new CD is entitled "Concrete Jungle, The Music of Bob Marley" and was recorded in Kingston, Jamiaca at the legendary Tuff Gong Studio. This CD is a follow up to his 1999 release "Stir it Up" which also featured all Bob Marley compositions. Just released on March 28, this new CD features and all-star cast of Jamaican and US musicians including the vocalist Luciano, bassist Glenroy Brown, trombonist Delfayeo Marsalis, and Alexander's regular working trio mates acoustic bassist Hassan Shakur and drummer Herlin Riley. These are just a few of the great artists on what is sure to be a landmark recording for Monty Alexander. While Monty Alexander remains a master jazz pianist, this recording makes clear that Monty also has a firm command of the Reggae genre. This musical exploration of his Jamaican roots is both an artistic success and shows a deep affection and regard for his Jamaican heritage. Monty Alexander's combination of jazz and reggae will please listeners from both genres. No one is better suited to this material than Monty Alexander.

 

Joining Monty Alexander for his performance at Nighttown will be Hassan Shakur on acoustic bass. Shakur is featured on the new CD and has been with the trio for close to 10 years now. On drums will be George Floudas from Chicago. Floudas played Nighttown a few years back with Ray Brown and has also toured with Diana Krall.

Don't miss the great Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander performing music from his new CD "Concrete Jungle, the Music of Bob Marley" live at Nighttown on Wednesday, May 31st and Thursday, June 1st.

Nighttown
12387 Cedar Road (top of Cedar Hill)
Cleveland Heights, OH
Tickets/reservations 216-795-0550
www.nighttowncleveland.com
Map to Nighttown