Goin Yard

Monty Alexander | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B00005AQ26
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,214 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent CD, May 15, 2001

By 

"da_juice" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goin Yard (Audio CD)

This is my first foray into jazz-reggae fusion and "Going Yard" did not disappoint. The less than subtle Jamaican rhythm section with the prominent bass guitar and crackling hand drums induce more basic emotions that constrast nicely with the light sophistication of Monty Alexander's piano. This is also the first time that I've heard M. Alexander's music and he is a talented performer. With his left hand anchoring the chord progressions, his right is free to playfully dance through the various melodies.

The selections are all pretty good, although in my opinion, the band is at its best when everyone is jamming hard. These include Tracks 2 & 7 which are my favorites among the original compositions. The two Bob Marley covers are also very well done (except for the cheesy vocals in the second half of "Could You Be Loved")

All in all, the CD was an excellent live recording and it has encouraged me to explore more of Monty's music as well as other jazz-reggae fusions.

5.0 out of 5 stars Monty Alexander - Goin Yard, June 24, 2010

By 

Irene Dodek (Vancouver B.C.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Goin Yard (Audio CD)

I heard him in person playing the song HOPE which is on this C.D.It is an incredibly beautiful piece. But so are the other selections on this C.D.---HE IS A MASTER MUSICIAN.

4.0 out of 5 stars jazz meets jamaica, May 5, 2001

By 

p dizzle "p dizzle" (augusta, georgia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Goin Yard (Audio CD)

mr. alexander brings the caribbean to jazz, but rather than follow the afro-cuban route pioneered by dizzy gillespie, kenny dorham, or chu valdes, he blends reggae with jazz. the result is a bouncing, rhythm-driven affair sure to make you wiggle in your seat. this set was recorded live in pittsburgh adding to the fire of the music. stylistically, mr. alexander follows tommy flanagan's touch on straight-ahead jazz (elegant swing)with the opening "The Serpent" and "Sight Up!" being particular highlights. however, when he pays tribute to bob marley ("exodus" and "could you be loved"), mr. alexander captures the intensity and danceability of reggae perfectly, firing some great solos over the top of the 2/2 beat. the sound is unique, original, and fresh, something this age of neo-classicism in jazz desperately needs. the band is electric, which on the reggae is wonderful, but there are moments when the bland pure licks approach of fusion rears its ugly head ("hurricane") being one example. still, the overall impression is wonderful. try it, you will enjoy it!