Montreux Alexander: The Monty Alexander Trio Live ! at The Montreux Festival

Description

The live recording from the festival on Lake Geneva is considered one of the classic piano trio albums of the 70s and also one of the milestones in the Jamaican pianist’s catalog. This 1976 recording captured nothing less than the moment in Alexander’s young career that ultimately put him on a par with giants like Oscar Peterson. His playing combines the skills of his Canadian colleague with a Caribbean feel and a touch of gospel. The then relatively unknown accompanists, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, form a rhythm section with a high degree of independence and sharp solos. Many moments in the performance inevitably captivate the listener: whether it is the introduction with blues variations inspired by a composition by Ahmad Jamal, or the moving contemplation of Feelings. The swing of Ellington’s Satin Doll is exuberant, the gospel of Drown In My Own Tears is played with great terror. The Afro mood of Work Song, in which Clayton’s virtuosity comes through in the highest registers, is downright archaic. The Battle Hymn Of The Republic stands out as a classic in its own right with its dramaturgy that is both mischievous and affable. Even after four decades, the magic of that night in Montreux is still within reach.