Monte Alexander
Impressions in Blue
(Telarc – 2003)
by John Thompson
Usually I’m not a big fan of trios, but this one? A winner! This Monty Alexander CD could have been named ‘IMPRESSIVE in Blue.’ Along with Mark Taylor(d) and Hassan Shakur(b) this Trio gets lots of bang for the buck and plenty of miles per gallon. Listen to this release and hear how full the sound of only three can produce. The band is in wonderful harmony with the individuals and vice versa. This CD is loaded with songs of varying tempos, dynamics and musical eras. The songs are written by the likes of Ellington, Gershwin, Mercer, and Alexander, which are categorized as “Duke Reflections,” “Where The Trade Wind Blows”(Island music), “King Cole Reflections”(featuring John Pizzarelli(g)) and “Way Out West,”(“I’m An Old Cowhand”).
My two favorites are the bluesy “Creole Love Call” and “Pointe-A-Pitre”(Why does Speedy Gonzales come to mind?). I can imagine that the musicians had fun playing the songs on this CD. Like a well-built car, this is one that is fun to drive, and one that your friends will want to borrow but will gladly purchase. 5 stars