MONTY ALEXANDER 80

Thursday, June 6 marks Jamaican American jazz pianist Monty Alexander’s 80th birthday. To celebrate the life of this phenomenal musician, Stingray DJAZZ presents his 1979 performance at The North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague. Jamaican-born Monty Alexander grew up hearing the sounds of calypso, which is where his unbridled playing, his power and his incredible passion for music must have their roots. At age 17, Alexander moved to Miami in the US to play jazz with great virtuosity. When the great Frank Sinatra heard him play there, he stimulated Alexander to move to New York City. Alexander has always kept his eye on the explosive music developments of ska and reggae in his former home of Jamaica. At the North Sea Jazz Festival of 1979, Monty Alexander was joined by Reggie Johnson (bass), Frank Gant (drums), Bobby Thomas (hand drum), and Othello Molineaux (steel drum). Alexander's Caribbean influences and natural flair for the piano shine through in this brilliant performance. Celebrate Monty Alexander’s 80th birthday with us on Thursday, June 6 at 21:00 on Stingray DJAZZ!