Customer Reviews

Goin Yard

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

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I can only review the show, so that's why the lack of extra star. If the spirit of that night was even partially caught on this CD, its a BIG 5. I had been in a near-fatal car crash only months before, and was really not supposed to be up and around in that fashion, but I was so glad that I used the tickets (I bought them a week before the wreck). This show was really MAGIC, and had a lot to do with my recovery. When I told my friends in the Caribbean about the whole experience, they simply said, "Yeah...that's Monty. Man, he's like a shaman, you know..." Yep. Now I know.