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Monty Alexander Harlem-Kingston Express Vol. 2: The River Rolls On
ByAnchored by drummer Karl Wright, and bassist Courtney Panton, this a hard driving collection of original compositions and weathered remakes which are given a fresh interpretation. The classic Spanish "Concierto de Aranjuez," immortalized in the jazz idiom by Miles Davis in the monumental "Sketches of Spain," is a standout number for its dramatic blending of classical flamenco with a relentless backbeat. Sticking close to home, the Jimmy Cliff opus "The Harder They Come," is a prime example of how and why Alexander is the foremost interpreter of instrumental reggae, done with his trademark flamboyance and flair. Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," is transformed from revered soul to the islands and back, while maintaining the essence of the song structure. Improvisation as it should be.
The majority of the tracks are originals and cover the gamut from the aggressive opener "Hurricane Come and Gone/Moonlight City," to the laid back vocals as "The River Rolls On," and "Love Notes," which surprisingly feature Alexander as vocalist. "Skamento" has the unmistakable Jamaican calypso feel, where he does some of his best piano work. "Sleaky," is another of those rhythmic gems where it comes down to tight bass and drum work as a vital foundation. This cadenced cohesion is accelerated on the closing "Regulator (Reggae-Later) where Alexander once again demonstrates his formidable piano technique, done while under heavy rhythmic fire.
This record is an not only a tour de force of where Monty Alexander has been, but an affirmation that he has taken his musical influences from ska, mento, reggae, rhythm and blues, ballads, and jazz, and rolled them into a modern synthesis very much in tune with the times, and taking an appreciative audience along for the ride.
Track Listing
Hurricane Come And Gone/Moonlight City; People Make The World Go Round; Concierto De Aranjuez; Sleaky; Trust; The Harder They Come; The River Rolls On; What’s Going On (Wa’a gwan); Love Notes; Skamento; Linstead Market; Redemption Song; Regulator (Reggae-Later).
Personnel
Monty Alexander
pianoMonty Alexander: piano, melodica, vocals; Hassan Shakur: acoustic bass; Obed Calvaire: drums; Karl Wright: drums; Frits Landesbergen: drums (13); Joshua Thomas: electric bass (1, 6, 8, 11, 13); Courtney Panton: electric bass, percussion; Yotam Silberstein: guitar (8); Andy Bassford: guitar; Earl Appleton: keyboards; Caterina Zapponi: vocal (7); Wendell Ferraro: vocal (12); Winard Harper: drums (11, 12); Robert Thomas Jr.: percussion (3); George Benson: guitar: (9); Ramsey Lewis: piano (9); Joe Sample: keyboard: (9).
Album information
Title: The River Rolls On | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Motema Music