Monty Alexander
Concerto D’Araanjuez
MPS Records/Teichiku Record (Japan) 1977
KUX-38-P (LP) w/insert.
sleeve : EX-(one wrinkle.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)
An album by Monty Alexander, a jazz pianist representing reggae powerhouse Jamaica, originally released in 1974 by the prestigious German label MPS. This Japanese edition, retitled Concerto D’Aranjuez with a redesigned cover, was released in 1977. The album features a soulful arrangement of Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo’s masterpiece Concierto de Aranjuez, with its shadowy melodies resonating as spiritual modal jazz on track A1. Track B2 showcases Monty Alexander’s extraordinary touch, with an unstoppable torrent of phrases pouring down like a tropical storm. Track B4 offers a modal reinterpretation of the theme from the classic Black movie Shaft. This album is a perfect showcase of Monty Alexander’s exceptional technique and remarkable musical sensibility. Highly recommended.