Alexander solos on melodica (a wind-driven keyboard that sounds a bit like a harmonica), as does Mr. “Concrete Jungle” begins with pastoral solo piano, but the groove kicks in strong and the cry “It’s a jungle out there!” puts thoughts of jazz to rest. This is not “Swingin’ Bob!” And that can only be a good thing.Ī few songs truly do rock steady.
Even on the gently acoustic “Babylon System”, featuring acoustic bass and Riley’s brushes, the upbeat taste of reggae is the most prominent spice. So this is not an album of “jazz treatments” of Marley songs. Regardless of who is playing, the songs’ grooves always get around to a reggae feel eventually. Alexander’s jazz trio (with Hassan Shakur on bass and Herlin Riley on drums), and a more traditional reggae group (Glenroy Browne on electric bass, Rolando Alphanso Wilson on drums, Wendel Ferraro’s guitar, and Othniel Lewis on keyboards). There are two distinct rhythm sections at work on Concrete Jungle - Mr. Alexander, but the main personality is Bob Marley. Alexander is a fine but mostly mainstream player, the kind of guy who has shape-shifted over the years to fit various projects, but rarely stamped them with his own unique sound. It’s tempting to hear it all as a somewhat uncomfortable fusion, frankly. Alexander’s nimble jazz fingers into a reggae groove as well. Stir It Up, Monty Meets Sly and Robbie, Rocksteady and Goin’ Yard all put Mr. Alexander has also explored his Caribbean roots in numerous releases - he’s known for playing with steel drum masters, for example.Ĭoncrete Jungle is the latest of many reggae/ska projects by Mr. A jazz pianist of genuine bona fides, Mr.
In a flash, he had a gig in Vegas, where he was spotted by Jilly Rizzo and was soon accompanying Sinatra, then vibes player Milt Jackson. Monty Alexander was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and came to the United States in 1961.
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