MONTY ALEXANDER - Harlem-Kingston Express Volume Two-The river rolls on
Membran LC 29284-233828
Collective personnel
Monty Alexander ( pno / medolica / vocals ) Hassan Shakur ( acoustic bass ) Obed Calvaire ( drs ) Karl Wright ( drs ) Frits Landsbergis ( drs ) Joshua Thomas ( el. Bass ) Courtney Panton ( el. Bass ) Yotam Silberstein ( gtr ) Andy Bass ford ( gtr ) Earl Appleton ( keyboards ) Coutney Panton ( perc )
Guest vocalists: Caterina Zapponi & Wendell ‘Jr. Jazz’ Ferraro
Guests on track 9 George Benson, Ramsey Lewis & Joe Sample
Locations & recording dates took place between 1988 & 2013
Not having had sight of volume 1 it may follow the same pattern of locations and recording dates but according to the enclosed notes this was a project set up by Monty Alexander to present music from two idioms. This in no way detracts from the quality of the music which is full of variations of style. The personnel’s vary from small to larger groups depending on the recording dates.
Volume 1 received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album of 2012 and on the evidence of opening track “Hurricane come and gone / Moonlight city” it’s not a great surprise, There is Wes Montgomerey inspired guita and some nicely paced piano by Monty.
Rather than the usual guitar feature “Concerto de Aranjuez” becomes vehicle for Monty’s sparkling piano backed by a throbbing electric bass. Monty is back to his roots with his own composition “Sleaky” which is characterised by an hypnotic beat which fit’s the mood of the piece.
The title track “The river rolls on” features vocalist Caterina Zapponi alongside Monty’s own vocalising, it’s been adapted from his original “The River” and it’s one of the best tracks on the album. “Love notes” which features the three stars, George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Sample is a beauty and with right exposure could gather a lot of fans. Monty’s piano is to the fore again on “Skamento” and highlights his considerable pianistic skills.
The final three tracks are all from live performances, two from Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York City and one recorded in France. They create that extra excitement engendered by the presence of a front of a live audience and the relaxed atmosphere.
An enjoyable album which would interest any listener prepared to listen to something a little different than the usual jazz fare.
Reviewed by Roy Booth
Membran LC 29284-233828
Collective personnel
Monty Alexander ( pno / medolica / vocals ) Hassan Shakur ( acoustic bass ) Obed Calvaire ( drs ) Karl Wright ( drs ) Frits Landsbergis ( drs ) Joshua Thomas ( el. Bass ) Courtney Panton ( el. Bass ) Yotam Silberstein ( gtr ) Andy Bass ford ( gtr ) Earl Appleton ( keyboards ) Coutney Panton ( perc )
Guest vocalists: Caterina Zapponi & Wendell ‘Jr. Jazz’ Ferraro
Guests on track 9 George Benson, Ramsey Lewis & Joe Sample
Locations & recording dates took place between 1988 & 2013
Not having had sight of volume 1 it may follow the same pattern of locations and recording dates but according to the enclosed notes this was a project set up by Monty Alexander to present music from two idioms. This in no way detracts from the quality of the music which is full of variations of style. The personnel’s vary from small to larger groups depending on the recording dates.
Volume 1 received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album of 2012 and on the evidence of opening track “Hurricane come and gone / Moonlight city” it’s not a great surprise, There is Wes Montgomerey inspired guita and some nicely paced piano by Monty.
Rather than the usual guitar feature “Concerto de Aranjuez” becomes vehicle for Monty’s sparkling piano backed by a throbbing electric bass. Monty is back to his roots with his own composition “Sleaky” which is characterised by an hypnotic beat which fit’s the mood of the piece.
The title track “The river rolls on” features vocalist Caterina Zapponi alongside Monty’s own vocalising, it’s been adapted from his original “The River” and it’s one of the best tracks on the album. “Love notes” which features the three stars, George Benson, Ramsey Lewis and Joe Sample is a beauty and with right exposure could gather a lot of fans. Monty’s piano is to the fore again on “Skamento” and highlights his considerable pianistic skills.
The final three tracks are all from live performances, two from Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York City and one recorded in France. They create that extra excitement engendered by the presence of a front of a live audience and the relaxed atmosphere.
An enjoyable album which would interest any listener prepared to listen to something a little different than the usual jazz fare.
Reviewed by Roy Booth