Keyboardist Monty Alexander, Celebrating His 80th Birthday, Surprises With the Breadth and Scope of His Sounds

This critic can’t think of an occasion when he’s heard so much great music in so many different styles; it’s hard to believe that it all revolved around one remarkable man.

Lorelei Edwards Design Co.
Monty Alexander and friends at Frederick P. Rose Hall. Lorelei Edwards Design Co.

Monty Alexander
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Frederick P. Rose Hall
Streaming Through February 1

In 1961, a 17-year-old pianist from Kingston named Montgomery Bernard Alexander arrived at Miami. He had already amassed considerable experience playing with fellow Jamaican musicians on sessions of calypso, mento, and ska, the foundation ingredients of what evolved into reggae music. Still, his passion was North American-style jazz.

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