The Monty Alexander Trio - Live! At The Montreaux Festival

180-gram vinyl

Audiophile analog remastering

This live recording from the famed festival by Lake Geneva qualifies as one of the piano trio classics of the 1970's as well as a milestone in the Jamaican pianist's catalogue. The 1976 album captures the moment in Alexander's young career when he began to be compared to such giants as Oscar Peterson.

Monty's play combines the proficiency of his Canadian colleague with the feel of the Caribbean and a touch of gospel. Bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton form a sympathetic, cohesive rhythm section, and their clear-cut, penetrating solos are outstanding. The show captivated the audience from the first piece, an Ahmad Jamal composition that Alexander played with inspired blues variations, on through the soulful contemplations in "Feelings".

There is an exuberance to the swing on the Ellington piece "Satin Doll", whereas the classic blues "Drown in My Own Tears" is played with sublime, gospel-tinged gravity. An archaic Afro-atmosphere permeates "Work Song", as Clayton shows off his virtuoso talents. With its whimsical, infectious dramaturgy, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" stands out as a classic. After four-and-a-half decades the infectious magic of that night in Montreux remains alive and palpable.

 

Side A

1. Nite Mist Blues

2. Feelings

3. Satin Doll

Side B

1. Work Song

2. Drown In My Tears

3. Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 1 person(s) rated this product.

AAA mastering that swings and grooves posted on 08/06/2019 5 Stars Reviewer: watchnerd Analog mastering from the analog master tapes. If you're an analog purist (confession -- I'm not), this definitely deserves a listen for what a pure analog disc can achieve. And even if you're not, get it anyway because it's a great live album that grooves with an infectious energy. The comparison to Oscar Peterson are apt...this is a romping piano session that is just fun, especially the Battle Hymn of the Republic finale.

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