[.ca] Monty Meets Sly And Robbie

From Amazon.co.uk:
Monty Alexander came to Miami from Jamaica in 1960, when his mother moved the family in search of work, and while he became fully acclimatised to the north American jazz style, his albums have made frequent reference to the music of his homeland. In his last few records, propelled by a feeling that the old jazz community of New York has faded away, he has sought kinship with such compatriots as Ernest Ranglin, and here the Jamaican flavour is more pronounced than ever. Admirers of Monty's straight-ahead playing may find it hard to identify with the particular swing of the island rhythms, and Sly and Robbie's electric drum patterns can sound stiff, thin and synthetic, but the mood is relaxed, and in interpretations of such standards as "Chameleon", "The In Crowd", "Sidewinder", "Moanin'" and "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" Monty brings to bear his jazz know-how, laying fluent bebop over the lazy shuffle beats.--Mark Gilbert

Woah, I've just woken up after listening to Monty & co:
The first 30 lame seconds of the album is a ominous warning of whats to come on this mediocre album. I mean what a shockingly uninspired intro. At first I was going to totally slate it in my review, but to be fair a few tracks have a feel-good factor. There are definitely some nice keyboard touches ..... but that about sums it up - its pretty much a one trick act. 'Riddim Section Kings' Sly and Robbie are way-more legend than substance and you are lucky if you can pick out a live-drum sound apart from the occasional lazy (but nice) big rimshot, and the bass lines a 10 year old could play - I mean come on guys liven it up a bit and shove in a bit more effort for crisakes. Laid back - its positively horizontal. I bought this on the off chance - I had a feeling something wicked was in the offing - It ain't. In future I'll stick to the fusion boys offerings, like the The Billy Cobhams of this world.

What Happened to Sly and Robbie?:
When I read the description of this CD, I thought it would be a sure winner (after all, Sly and Robbie are one of Reggae's premier rhythm sections). However, the bass and drums on this CD consist solely of programmed beats and basslines, and does not sound much different than the rhythm tracks on my Casio keyboard. What happened to these guys? Why don't they play on real instruments? Monty's playing is fantastic, but the overall sound of the CD is a bit disappointing.

Just buy it: Its Brilliant:
Quite simple: if you don't have this, then get it right now. This is the second in whats becoming a brilliant series of reggae tinged jazz records for his new label. This time out Monty meets with the all time killer rhythm team of Sly and Robbie. The result is a groovin, funk filled disk of pure joy. From Herbie Hancocks Chameleon, Ramsey Lewis, The in crowd, to Zawinal's Mercy Mercy Mercy. But there's also Lee Morgans Sidewinder and Art Blakeys Moanin. Add a brilliant original called Monty's Groove, and the CD just rocks. I thought His last Stir it up album was brilliant (and overlooked, it should have sold gizillions)but this album is almost more fun. I cant wait to catch Monty live playing this, but meanwhile do your self a favor and get this disc. Its the right thing to do

Great Caribbean/Funk Music:
Monty Alexander is one great pianist. Most of his music is jazz based with a hint of the islands. That all changed with his last release in which he covers some of Bob Marley's most popular songs. That CD is a great amalgamation of island and jazz music. It's a must just as "Monty Meets Sly and Robbie" is. It works on many levels. The rhythms are bouncy enough to clean the apartment to yet the depth of the piano solos make it perfect to sit down and really listen to. Great stuff!

Big Disappointment:
I was really looking forward to this CD. The combination of these three musicians wetted my appetite when I read about this release. With the exception of "Chameleon" and "People Make The World Go Round," this is nothing more than juiced up elevator music. I have enjoyed Monty's previous recordings including the Marley cover, but this one goes into the used bin. If you really want to hear the essence of Monty's music - look no further than an earlier recording "Jamento" - it is drop dead beautiful.

• Chameleon
• Monty's Groove
• Soulful Strut
• The In Crowd
• Sidewinder
• People Make The World Go 'Round
• (Do The) Kool Step
• Moanin'
• Mercy, Mercy
• Hot Milk