Jazz great Monty Alexander continues his live show comeback after an extended absence due to Covid-19, by headlining the Westchester Music Experience, at Tarrytown Music Hall in New York on Thanksgiving Friday.
It is the latest gig for the Jamaican pianist who, like many artists, was sidelined by the raging pandemic. For his latest gig, Alexander is promising fans a treat by doing songs from his upcoming album on which he sings.
“I always wanted to do more singing which I have done over the years but not in a collective way,” he said, adding that he will “give snippets” of things to come next year.
At the Westchester Music Experience, Alexander will be accompanied by the Harlem-Kingston Experience, a jazz/reggae combo he formed over 10 years ago. It features musicians versed in music from the United States and Jamaica.
Alexander, who started his storied career as a teenager in Kingston during the early 1960’s, is world-renown for his eclectic live performances and vast recorded catalog.
Since the 1990’s, he has collaborated with Jamaican musicians such as jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin and drum-and-bass duo, Sly and Robbie. Harlem-Kingston Express has special meaning to him.
“When I do Harlem-Kingston Express, Jamaica comes out very strong,” he said.
Written By Howard Campbell