On this Concord CD, pianist Monty Alexander performs religious hymns plus a few of his originals that also fit comfortably in that tradition. Accompanied by bassist John Clayton and drummer Ed Thigpen, Alexander's sensitive, but generally swinging, interpretations of these timeless melodies communicate very well. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.
Beautifully Lyrically Sacred
Music
=========================
Monty Alexander is not
exactly a pop star but he should be included in any serious music connoisseur's
collection. Monty's prowess on the piano is legendary in his native Jamaica,
but even his fans may not know his spiritual side so beautifully revealed in
The River: an inspired sacred collection played in inimitably playful,
non-conventional Monty style - rhythm & syncopation with sweet, sensuous
(oops - pure Monty ;-) musicality. ~ Melanie N, 5 Stars, Amazon.com.
Concord Jazz, CCD-4422, 1990
Recorded in October 1985 at
Omega Studios, Rockville, Maryland
Musicians:
Monty Alexander - Piano
John Clayton - Bass
Ed Thigpen - Drums
Tracks:
01. Stand Up, Stand Up For
Jesus {George Duffield, George James Webb} (5:23)
02. The River {Monty
Alexander, Frank Severino} (5:37)
03. The Serpent {Monty
Alexander} (3:26)
04. Ave Maria {Franz
Schubert; Arr. Monty Alexander} (4:32)
05. David Danced {Edward
Kennedy Ellington} (4:55)
06. Renewal {Monty Alexander}
(8:30)
07. Ain't Gonna Study War No
More {Traditional; Arr. Monty Alexander} (4:05)
08. Holy! Holy! Lord God
Almighty {Reginald Heber, John Dykes; Arr. Monty Alexander} (3:31)
09. What A Friend We Have In
Jesus {Horatius Bonar, Charles Crozat Converse} (6:17)
10. How Great Thou Art
{Traditional; Arr. Monty Alexander} (5:18)
Total Time: 51:38
Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Monty
Alexander
Executive Producer - Caarl E.
Jefferson
Recording Engineer - Bob
Yesbek
Assistant Recording Engineer
- Billy Brady
Assembling Engineer - Phil
Edwards
Mastering Engineer - George
Horn
Art Direction - Sandi Young
