Monty Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monty Alexander
OJ CD
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Alexander performing at Ronnie Scott's, London, in 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Montgomery Bernard Alexander |
| Born | 6 June 1944 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genres | Jazz, reggae, hard bop, straight-ahead jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Piano, melodica, vocals |
| Years active | 1958–present |
| Labels | Pacific Jazz, RCA, Verve, MPS, Motéma Music |
Montgomery Bernard "Monty" Alexander (born June 6, 1944) is a famous Jamaican American jazz pianist. His music often has a fun Caribbean feel. He plays with a bright, swinging rhythm.
Monty Alexander is known for his exciting musical changes. He creates strong, dramatic moments in his songs. He has recorded many popular American songs, jazz tunes, and Jamaican music. He also sings and plays the melodica.
He has lived in New York City for many years. Monty often performs at jazz festivals and clubs all over the world.
Contents
About Monty Alexander
Monty Alexander was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 6, 1944. He found the piano when he was just four years old. He was very good at playing melodies he heard by ear.
When he was six, his mother sent him for classical music lessons. By age 14, he became very interested in jazz piano. Monty played in local clubs and on recording sessions. He even led his own dance orchestra called Monty and the Cyclones.
He was greatly inspired by famous musicians like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. They performed at the Carib Theatre in Jamaica, leaving a big impression on young Monty.
Moving to America
In 1961, Monty and his family moved to Miami, Florida. He continued to play in nightclubs there. One night, Frank Sinatra and his friend Jilly Rizzo heard Monty play. They were so impressed that they invited him to New York City.
In 1962, Monty became the main pianist at Jilly Rizzo's club, "Jilly's." There, he played with Frank Sinatra. He also became friends with other jazz legends. These included bassist Ray Brown and vibraphone player Milt Jackson. He even became friends with Miles Davis, sharing a love for watching boxing matches.
His Music Career
Monty Alexander recorded his first album, Alexander the Great, in 1964. He was only 20 years old. This album was full of energy and very upbeat.
He toured often in Europe and recorded many albums there. In the mid-1970s, he formed a popular trio. This group included John Clayton on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums. Their album Montreux Alexander, recorded in 1976, became very famous.
Monty has also played with many singers, like Ernestine Anderson. He has worked with other important jazz leaders, such as Dizzy Gillespie. In the 1990s, Monty started a reggae band with Jamaican musicians. He released several reggae albums, including Yard Movement and Stir It Up, which featured songs by Bob Marley.
Personal Life
Monty Alexander married American jazz guitarist Emily Remler in 1981. They later divorced in 1985. Today, Monty lives in Manhattan. He is married to Italian jazz singer Caterina Zapponi.
Awards and Honours
Monty Alexander has received several important awards for his music:
- In 2000, he received the Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica.
- His 2012 album, Harlem-Kingston Express, won Best Live Performance Album at the Independent Music Awards.
- The same album was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.
- In 2014, his album Harlem-Kingston Express, Vol. 2: The River Rolls On was nominated for a Soul Train Award.
- In 2017, he received the Order of Griffin-Distinguished Alumnus Award.
- In January 2023, Monty Alexander was given the Order of Jamaica (OJ). This is a very high honour in Jamaica.
Discography
As leader
| Year recorded | Title | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Alexander the Great | Pacific Jazz | Trio |
| 1965 | Spunky | Pacific Jazz | Trio and quartet tracks |
| 1976 | Montreux Alexander | MPS | Live trio performance |
| 1978 | Jamento | Pablo | Septet |
| 1980 | Facets | Concord | Trio |
| 1996 | Yard Movement | Island | With Ernest Ranglin |
| 1999 | Stir It Up: The Music of Bob Marley | Telarc | |
| 2000 | Monty Meets Sly and Robbie | Telarc | With Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare |
| 2011 | Harlem-Kingston Express | Motéma | Live performance |
| 2019 | Wareika Hill: Rasta-Monk Vibrations | MACD |
Key Collaborations
Monty Alexander has also played with many other great musicians:
- With Ernest Ranglin: Ranglypso (1974), Rocksteady (2004)
- With Milt Jackson: That's the Way It Is (1969), Soul Fusion (1977)
- With Ray Brown: Live at the Concord Jazz Festival (1979), Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, & Russell Malone (2002)
- With Tony Bennett: A Swingin' Christmas (Featuring The Count Basie Big Band) (2008)
- With Quincy Jones: The Original Jam Sessions 1969 (1969), Smackwater Jack (1971)
- With Natalie Cole: Unforgettable: With Love (1991)
Filmography
Monty Alexander has appeared in these films:
- Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke, Jean-Luc Ponty – Live at Montreux (1994)
- New Morning – The Paris Concert (2008)
See also
In Spanish: Monty Alexander para niños
- List of jazz pianists
