Artist page · 05/07/2026

Monty Alexander

JamaicaBorn in 1944Compilations Jazz / Blues5 vinyl albums
Monty Alexander, born June 6, 1944 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a jazz pianist known for his blend of Caribbean rhythms and jazz styles. He has a career spanning several decades with roots in both jazz and reggae.
5Albums on Vinyles.com
518Discogs releases
78kLast.fm listeners

About

Monty Alexander, Jamaican jazz pianist blending Caribbean rhythm with vibrant swing.

Five compilations and jazz-blues albums tracked with MPS and Island Jamaica vinyl pressings.

Monty Alexander began classical piano studies at age 6 and developed a distinctive style influenced by Caribbean music and jazz greats like Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson. Moving to the U.S. at 17, he built a rich discography with over fifty albums, often performing in a trio setup. His work spans jazz, blues, and reggae, with collaborations including guitarists and jazz legends. Vinyl collectors find key releases on labels like MPS Records and Island Jamaica Jazz encapsulating his diverse sound.

Monty frequently appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival from 1976 onward and has contributed to scores such as the film "Bird" by Clint Eastwood. His recent albums explore Bob Marley's legacy with jazz interpretations on labels like Telarc.

Discography

Monty Alexander — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Yard MovementIsland Jamaica Jazz · 1996
1996
Yard Movement
CD, Album
Studio
Many Rivers To CrossMELDAC · 1995
1995
Many Rivers To Cross
CD, Album
Studio
At MaybeckConcord Jazz · 1995
1995
At Maybeck
CD, Album
Studio
Caribbean CircleChesky Records · 1992
1992
Caribbean Circle
CD, Album
Studio
The RiverConcord Jazz · 1990
1990
The River
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Snowy Morning BluesConcord Jazz · 1990
1990
Snowy Morning Blues
CD, Album
Studio
Triple · Treat · IIIConcord Jazz · 1989
1989
Triple · Treat · III
CD, Album
Studio
Triple Treat IIConcord Jazz · 1988
1988
Triple Treat II
CD, Album
Studio
Saturday NightLimetree Records · 1988
1988
Saturday Night
CD, Album
Studio
Li'l Darlin'GML · 1988
1988
Li'l Darlin'
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
To Nat, With LoveZanda Records · 1987
1987
To Nat, With Love
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
FridaynightLimetree Records · 1987
1987
Fridaynight
CD, Album
Studio
ThreesomeSoul Note · 1986
1986
Threesome
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Caribbean DuetHarmonic Records · 1985
1985
Caribbean Duet
CD, Album
Studio
Overseas SpecialConcord Jazz · 1984
1984
Overseas Special
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
The Duke Ellington Song BookVerve Records · 1984
1984
The Duke Ellington Song Book
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
John Clayton - Jeff Hamilton - Reunion In EuropeConcord Jazz · 1984
1984
John Clayton - Jeff Hamilton - Reunion In Europe
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
A Ray Brown 3Concord Jazz · 1983
1983
A Ray Brown 3
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Triple TreatConcord Records · 1982
1982
Triple Treat
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
SummerwindJeton · 1981
1981
Summerwind
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Ernest Ranglin - Monty Alexander - Ernest RanglinMPS Records · 1981
1981
Ernest Ranglin - Monty Alexander - Ernest Ranglin
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
FingeringAtlas Record · 1981
1981
Fingering
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
TrioConcord Jazz · 1981
1981
Trio
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
SoloJeton · 1980
1980
Solo
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
FacetsConcord Jazz · 1980
1980
Facets
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Happy TalkLob · 1980
1980
Happy Talk
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
In TokyoPablo Records · 1979
1979
In Tokyo
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
So What?Black And Blue · 1979
1979
So What?
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
CobilimboMPS Records · 1978
1978
Cobilimbo
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
EstadeMPS Records · 1977
1977
Estade
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Unlimited Love - Live & In ConcertBASF · 1976
1976
Unlimited Love - Live & In Concert
Vinyl, LP, Album
Live
Love And SunshineMPS Records · 1975
1975
Love And Sunshine
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Perception!MPS Records · 1974
1974
Perception!
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Rass!MPS Records · 1974
1974
Rass!
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Here Comes The SunMPS Records · 1972
1972
Here Comes The Sun
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
This Is Monty AlexanderVerve Records · 1969
1969
This Is Monty Alexander
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Zing!RCA Victor · 1968
1968
Zing!
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
SpunkyPacific Jazz · 1965
1965
Spunky
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Alexander The GreatPacific Jazz · 1965
1965
Alexander The Great
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Sunday NightLimetree Records ·
Sunday Night
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Monty Alexander's career.

01
Love And Happiness
·
02
Monticello
·
03
Love You Madly
·
04
No Woman No Cry
·
05
Running Away
·
06
Sweet Georgia Brown
Sweet Georgia Brown
Caribbean Circle · 1992
07
All The Way
·
08
The Heathen
·

The essentials

The 3 Monty Alexander albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1972
LP, Album, Stereo
Here Comes The Sun

A studio album blending soul-jazz, Latin jazz, and swing with 7 tracks including Monty’s interpretation of the title track. Multiple vinyl versions from MPS Records make it collectible.

7 tracksStereo LPMPS Records labelContains 'So What', 10:29
#2 · 2024
Vinyl
Monty Alexander: The Montreux Years

Recent compilation highlighting Monty’s performances at Montreux Jazz Festival, capturing years of trio jazz mastery with rare and live recordings.

CompilationTrios and live recordings2024 releaseLabel: BMG Rights Management
#3 · 2023
Vinyl
The Best Of MPS Years

Collection of standout tracks from Monty’s prolific period with MPS Records, featuring jazz and blues infused performances.

CompilationJazz and bluesLabel: Verycords2023 release

Go further

Artists similar to Monty Alexander

Artists who share part of Monty Alexander's musical DNA.

Collectors

For vinyl die-hards

The hidden side of the catalogue: rare pressings, sought-after matrices, Discogs values.

Market values (source: Discogs)

For each reference edition, these cards summarise the state of the global Discogs market. Market position places the average price of a copy between the observed min and max prices. Average price is the price seen for a mint-condition copy. Copies available counts listings currently for sale. Collectors who want it is the number of Discogs users who added it to their wantlist without owning it — a good signal of upcoming demand.

Here Comes The Sun
Master release · LP · 1972
Market position i
4,87 €
Min price 4 €Max price 6 €
Average price 4,87 €
Only 36 copies for sale on Discogs
162 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)
Yard Movement
Master release · LP · 1996
Market position i
102,94 €
Min price 93 €Max price 113 €
Average price 102,94 €
Only 5 copies for sale on Discogs
18 collectors want it (Discogs wantlist)

Notable pressings & editions

AlbumEdition Country · Year Matrix Market tension Value
Yard MovementLP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue
Island Jamaica Jazz Japan · 2021 PROZ-7909 Japanese pressing
18 want · 76 have · ratio 0,2
113,09 €
Yard MovementLP, Album
Island Jamaica Jazz UK · 1996 IJLP 4001 Original pressing
18 want · 76 have · ratio 0,2
92,79 €
Here Comes The SunLP, Album, Stereo
MPS Records Germany · 1972 21 20913-1 🔥 Standard edition
162 want · 175 have · ratio 0,9
5,83 €
Here Comes The SunLP, Album, Reissue
MPS Records UK BAP 5037 Original pressing
162 want · 175 have · ratio 0,9
6,38 €

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Monty Alexander

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

His combination of Caribbean rhythms with jazz influences creates a vibrant and precise pianistic style.
— Jazz Commentary
01Festival

Monty Alexander at Montreux Jazz Festival

Starting in 1976, Monty Alexander performed regularly at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, often in a trio with John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums, consolidating his reputation in live jazz performance.

1976Montreux, Switzerland
02Album Release

Here Comes The Sun released on MPS Records

This 1972 studio album on MPS Records features seven tracks spanning soul-jazz, Latin jazz, and swing, including a notable 10:29 rendition of 'So What'. It has multiple vinyl pressings including a 1972 German stereo LP and a UK reissue.

1972Germany / UK
03Vinyl Pressing

Yard Movement LP UK original pressing

The 1996 original UK pressing of 'Yard Movement' on Island Jamaica Jazz label is a sought-after vinyl with a low price around €92.79 to €113.09 for a limited quantity available. It includes reggae-pop styles blending jazz and reggae elements.

1996UK
04Collaboration

Collaboration with Ernest Ranglin

Monty Alexander worked notably with Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin, producing albums that incorporate jazz, reggae, and Caribbean sounds, strengthening his distinctive style.

1981Jamaica / International

FAQ

FAQ: Monty Alexander on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who is Monty Alexander and what is his musical style?

Monty Alexander is a Jamaican jazz pianist known for blending Caribbean rhythms and jazz styles, creating lively and precise performances.

What are some notable Monty Alexander vinyl albums to collect?

Key vinyl albums include the 1972 ‘Here Comes The Sun’ on MPS Records and ‘The Best Of MPS Years’ compilation, prized for their jazz and blues material.

When did Monty Alexander start recording albums?

He began recording his own albums in 1964, after relocating to the United States at 17 and establishing his career there.

Which labels have released Monty Alexander's vinyl records?

His vinyl has been released mainly by MPS Records, Island Jamaica Jazz, Verycords, and BMG Rights Management among others.

Are Monty Alexander’s albums popular in France?

His albums enjoy a dedicated listenership in France, especially among jazz and vinyl collectors seeking international jazz artists.

Where in France can I find Monty Alexander vinyl records?

Vinyl enthusiasts can find Monty Alexander’s records in specialized jazz record stores and online marketplaces catering to jazz vinyl collectors in France.

What styles of jazz does Monty Alexander play?

Monty covers several jazz styles including soul-jazz, Latin jazz, swing, and bebop, often inflected with Caribbean elements.

What makes Monty Alexander’s playing distinctive on vinyl?

His piano playing combines precise technique with Caribbean rhythm influences, making vinyl pressings a showcase for his vibrant and lively style.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026