Monty Alexander: D-Day

An album review of the jazz pianist great’s 80th birthday present to himself, and us.

Monty Alexander

D-Day

Peewee

The great jazz pianist celebrated his 80th birthday alongside the anniversary of World War II. And that means something — to him. For us, the result is this album, culled from two essentially live sessions (studio, but recorded for the take) featuring drummer Jason Brown and bassist Luke Sellick in support of Alexander through a set that includes originals mixed with war-time standards (We’ll Met Again, Charlie Chaplin’s Smile).

The playing is lithe and dynamic throughout, with Brown nimble-fingered and fleet-footed in accompaniment, adding soft, delightful funk to the backbeat (Restoration) and capable of lush, loping, and laidback grooves, particularly via soulful cymbal work (June 6). And Sellick’s lyrical bass accompaniment gives Alexander space for comping, and room for his delicious melodies.

The version of Smile is a proud piece of post-bop piano trio jazz, and the live closer, Day-O, has Alexander singing the intro, before the band runs away with a rhumba.

Like that last decade of Ahmad Jamal’s work, this just sings with heartfelt pride and intensity, across beautiful swinging balladry (I’ll Never Smile Again) and the more driving originals (Aggression).

A killer trio in fine form, all working in support of the pianist and his vision.