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Montreux Archive

Monty Alexander Trio – Montreux Alexander – MPS Music – vinyl

by Audiophile Audition | Aug 26, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Monty Alexander Trio – Montreux Alexander – MPS Music 0210986MSW (2016) stereo vinyl, 45:40 ****1/2: Jamaican pianist wins over Montreux in 1976, and the performance gets a sonic upgrade. (Monty Alexander – piano; John Clayton – doublebass; Jeff Hamilton – drums) Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander emerged on the music scene as a teenager in Miami. There he played with Frank Sinatra, and met Ray Brown and Milt Jackson. He recorded three albums with Jackson and one with Dizzy Gillespie. He toured and played with Ernest Ranglin, Bennie Golson, Jimmy Griffin and Frank Morgan. But he came into his own in the seventies when he teamed with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton. When The Monty Alexander Trio performed at the 1976 Montreux Jazz festival in 1976, the jazz world took notice. A jazz musician is often evaluated by live performances. Jazz festivals provide an incentive to stand out in front of their peers. The Monty Alexander Trio -Montreux provided an opportunity for the Jamaican pianist to make a name for himself. The trio (John Clayton on doublebass and Jeff Hamilton on drums) was making their major festival debut at the 1976 Montreux. It was not an easy task following the Thad […]

Bill Evans – Some Other Time – Resonance (2 CD set)

by Audiophile Audition | Apr 19, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Bill Evans – Some Other Time – Resonance HCD-2019, 93:06 (2-CD set) [now 1/17] ***** (the release date has been delayed): A rare 1968 Bill Evans recording is another brilliant achievement. (Bill Evans – piano; Eddie Gomez – double bass; Jack DeJohnette – drums) Resonance Records has uncovered a terrific unreleased recording of legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. Some Other Time – The Lost Sessions From The Black Forest was recorded on June 20, 1968, five days after Bill Evans appeared at Montreux. There are primarily duo and trio performances that examine yet another exceptionally creative period. The opening track, “You Go To My Head” (previously recorded by the pianist in 1962) quickly adopts the “percussive poet” as the trio swings. Evan’s playing is assured and up-tempo, choosing to emphasize the rhythmic dynamics and brisk solo runs. Gomez’ extended bass solo is extraordinary. DeJohnette’s nimble, cohesive drumming brings the trio together. This recording leans heavily on American Songbook material. “My Funny Valentine” (Rodgers/Hart) has become a jazz staple over the years. Evans combination of lyrical finesse and finger-snapping cool is revelatory. There is a late crescendo that is wonderful. From Kismet, “Baubles Bangles And Beads” has a medium-swing waltz groove […]