COMPOSERS: Monty Alexander
LABELS: Telarc
PERFORMER: Alexander (p), Derek DiCenzo (g), Hassan JJ Wiggins (b), Troy Davis (d); Jamaican Reggae ‘Ridim’ Section (The Gumption Band)
CATALOGUE NO: CD 83469
Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander has always been adept at filtering the rhythms of his homeland – mento, ska, reggae – through a jazz sensibility, and these surprisingly delicate versions of Bob Marley tunes from ‘Stir It Up’ through ‘No Woman No Cry’ to ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ bring out all their lilting poignancy without compromising their passion. CP