Montreux Alexander

The Monty Alexander Trio Live at the Montreux Festival

The Monty Alexander Trio Live at the Montreux Festival was recorded on June 10, 1976. This particular version is a special limited edition (1000 units) pressed and released for Record Store Day 2024, remastered from the original tapes. The release is on the MPS label (the label the original recording was released on) and the record is on 180 gram vinyl. The reissue was overseen by Dirk Sommer, noted German audio journalist and record producer, with the assistance of master engineer Christoph Stickel. It is apparent a great deal of care and attention went into this project after listening to the record. The sound is outstanding, particularly concerning the piano. The album (mint green coloured vinyl) comes with an insert containing comments from Monty himself, Stefan Franzen and Dirk Sommer. 

The trio that day in July performed at that time was comprised of Monty Alexander (piano), John Clayton (double bass) and Jeff Hamilton (drums). Monty describes the recording as "A magical moment." The trio had been working together for a while (most recently in London, England) and the musical communication is readily apparent. The dynamics, the tightness and the virtuosity is displayed throughout the recording. There is a great deal of detail on the back of the album jacket itself, as well as in the liner notes, about the artists, the song selection for the concert and the reissue. Of the six tracks (all of which are amazing), I really enjoyed "Work Song" and "Battle Hymn Of The Republic" the best. There was no shortage of enthusiasm and energy that day back at the Montreux Festival almost 50 years ago. I'm very happy it is now available in the best vinyl format available.