Customer Reviews

Echoes of Jilly's

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not only is this a spirited Sinatra tribute, out-swinging similar efforts by Oscar Peterson and Joe Lovano, but it captures some of the enormous physical energy, joie de de vivre, and non-stop inventiveness that were in evidence on practically all of Monty's early recordings. Sadly, some of his best LPs from the 60s and 70s have never been reissued on CD. All the more reason to snap this one up. You'll have a hard time finding a piano trio these days that swings any harder.

This would not be my pick for an Alexander-led rhythm section. Monty's roar is so extroverted and mighty that he's best showcased in the company of muscle players like Ray Brown and power percussionists like Bobby Durham and Duffy Jackson. Nonetheless, the virtuosic Patitucci shows he's not averse to walking like a trouper and Davis compensates for any weakness in the left foot with exceptionally crisp and commanding brush work.

Benny Green has shown flashes, but only Monty can play the straightahead, two-handed, melodically swinging style characteristic of an Oscar, Gene Harris, or even his fellow Jamaican, Wynton Kelly. Let's hope there are enough listeners to keep the fire burning.

For the most part, the music on this CD fits in the 'nightclub/ hotel atrium' category. Not only would it be good for a date, but also for studying. It's got that smooth feel you get from listening to Miles Davis and Bill Evans. The improv isn't ornate, noisy, show-off type. I would definetly recommend this to anyone who loves jazz, or just music in general!

Great tunes performed superbly. When I saw Monty play a few of these tunes live and when I listen to the tracks on this CD, I imagine Monty at Jilly's, playing for Sinatra and his guests throughout the evening at this New York restaurant. "Echoes of Jilly's" is one of my favorite recordings. A magnificient CD, performed by a phenomenal pianist and two skilled sidemen.

monty alexander's music begins as highly ev olved cocktail piano (but then so does art tatum) and ends up as beautifully executed jazz. It's tucked in - nobody is taking any big chances - but it works perfectly. Sinatra fans will love hearing the 'big hits' reworked as piano jazz.

This is a wonderful musical tribute to Frank Sinatra. Monty's brilliant style seems to embody the "orchestration", swing and drama of Peterson and Jamal and adds Nat Cole's elegance - then he adds many of his own devices, sprinkles in some wit and Entertains! The bass and drums of Patitucci and Davis add wonderful support especially in the changes of pace. Nicely recorded. I have bought about 12 of his albums over the years and I would have to say that he is consistently inventive, tasteful and brilliant, always with a sense of theatre and talent for chosing good material.

If youre looking for more M.A. then note that he recorded a few CDs under Ray Brown's leadership. All excellent. Thanks Monty.