Luke, I met Monty, John and Jeff when I was 19, they were playing at the Bridge in Ft Lauderdale. We’ve crossed paths many times since. He’s a true soul with a gift like no one else. Bravo for this introspect into his journey, it’s amazing and Monty is one of the greatest pianists ever !!!
Amazing conversation, Luke! I'm a pianist myself and Monty has been an inspiration for me since I heard him for the first time when I was about 16 (I'm 41 now). What an interesting thing to tell our students: "Pick half of it, and figure the other half out", brilliant! Love you guys!❤
I have only known of Monty over the last several years. He has been a pleasure to watch because he truly loves music. He translates his joy each time he sits at the piano. He makes great music with Luke and Jason. Will continue to enjoy his music live whenever possible! Go Monty!
To hear Monty talk about what music means to him is so inspirational. He compares playing the piano to walking into a candy store. How beautiful. I once asked him if he would teach me a piano lesson. He smiled at me and said "just keep listening to music you love, and try to play that". That's exactly how he did it. He hears something and plays it. What a talented and blessed guy. One of the greatest swing pianists alive. Check out his recording Monty Alexander trio live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1976. Unsurpassed!
Luke, this is a great conversation. My father owned several jazz clubs in the Washington DC area throughout the 60s and 70s. As a kid, I worked in these clubs and knew and still know Monty personally. He is exactly the man he appears to be. He spent time at our house frequently during the '70s, and my Mom loved him. Gracious, talented, and humble . Our family adored him. Love to you, Monty.
I had the most fortunate experience of meeting and talking with Monty before an outdoor concert that was held in Worcester, MA. around 20 years ago. When I saw him pull up in his car, I went over to him, introduced myself, and shared my admiration for him and the music he plays. His response was so humble as he then turned the conversation and wanted to know about me and my life. That encounter was followed by a fantastic concert and this glowing memory has never left my mind. Monty is a shining example of a true gentleman.
@@peterlambros5568 Thank you Peter. What continues to amaze me is that other people were walking by and not one of them came near us to intervene in our conversation.
Back in the 90s I discovered Monty through a lot of jazz funk compilations.... especially his track Monticello which seemed to be on the Jazz FM radio station a lot back then with its "Inner City Blues" bassline... I loved what all these guys (Monty, Ahmad, et al) were doing in the 70s with combining soul, pop tunes of the day and jazz... glad to see what a humble guy he is.
i could relate closely to the details of monty's story despite being from a totally different time and place. What a treat to feel a kindred spirit across all racial, generational, geographical, and cultural lines.
Ray Brown was raised in a church in Pittsburgh since he was born. He told me hundreds of stories what he lived and felt. Monty is totally right about it. Bill Basie was so too ... A lot of those guys from that time were raised in or around a church.
Great vid thx..i was waiting for Monty to speak of his brief relationship/marriage to Emily Remler, unless i missed it? Nevertheless it was a great insight on Monty's experiences and philosophy, great job, thank you.
I was introduced to Monty’s music when I was around 14. The album I received from a bass player, who told me I should listen to him, changed my life course. There was a guitarist named George Aguiar who I took lessons from who played with Monty a few times. Anyway, I’ve always been a huge fan of Monty’s!!! Love his style and personality. A true gem of a human being.
How did you ever get an interview with the amazing Monty? Always an incredible player, but In the 70’s his playing was on a different level. Btw, if you’re still in touch with him he may want to hear this I found. Guy who did it said it was inspired by Monty’s version of it from the Jamento album. th-cam.com/video/lyqdNLi2Yjg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AHP_rszf30mft6bK Great interview btw.
Luke, I met Monty, John and Jeff when I was 19, they were playing at the Bridge in Ft Lauderdale. We’ve crossed paths many times since. He’s a true soul with a gift like no one else. Bravo for this introspect into his journey, it’s amazing and Monty is one of the greatest pianists ever !!!
Monty is an inspiration.
Amazing conversation, Luke! I'm a pianist myself and Monty has been an inspiration for me since I heard him for the first time when I was about 16 (I'm 41 now). What an interesting thing to tell our students: "Pick half of it, and figure the other half out", brilliant!
Love you guys!❤
Thanks Pau🙏!
I have only known of Monty over the last several years. He has been a pleasure to watch because he truly loves music. He translates his joy each time he sits at the piano. He makes great music with Luke and Jason. Will continue to enjoy his music live whenever possible! Go Monty!
To hear Monty talk about what music means to him is so inspirational. He compares playing the piano to walking into a candy store. How beautiful. I once asked him if he would teach me a piano lesson. He smiled at me and said "just keep listening to music you love, and try to play that". That's exactly how he did it. He hears something and plays it. What a talented and blessed guy. One of the greatest swing pianists alive. Check out his recording Monty Alexander trio live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1976. Unsurpassed!
I spent a lot of time in Jamaica. Monty Alexander is the Royal Ambassador of Jazz from Jamaica. There will never be another to replace him.
Luke, this is a great conversation.
My father owned several jazz clubs in the Washington DC area throughout the 60s and 70s.
As a kid, I worked in these clubs and knew and still know Monty personally.
He is exactly the man he appears to be.
He spent time at our house frequently during the '70s, and my Mom loved him.
Gracious, talented, and humble . Our family adored him.
Love to you, Monty.
I had the most fortunate experience of meeting and talking with Monty before an outdoor concert that was held in Worcester, MA. around 20 years ago. When I saw him pull up in his car, I went over to him, introduced myself, and shared my admiration for him and the music he plays. His response was so humble as he then turned the conversation and wanted to know about me and my life. That encounter was followed by a fantastic concert and this glowing memory has never left my mind. Monty is a shining example of a true gentleman.
@@amtrakatsfnyc awesome experience for you. Congrats.
@@peterlambros5568 Thank you Peter. What continues to amaze me is that other people were walking by and not one of them came near us to intervene in our conversation.
@amtrakatsfnyc He is a very gracious and peaceful man.
Check out his new release D Day, which also happens to be his birthday.
Back in the 90s I discovered Monty through a lot of jazz funk compilations.... especially his track Monticello which seemed to be on the Jazz FM radio station a lot back then with its "Inner City Blues" bassline... I loved what all these guys (Monty, Ahmad, et al) were doing in the 70s with combining soul, pop tunes of the day and jazz... glad to see what a humble guy he is.
Great conversation. Monty has inspired me for years.
really great interview,,, great insight!
i could relate closely to the details of monty's story despite being from a totally different time and place. What a treat to feel a kindred spirit across all racial, generational, geographical, and cultural lines.
One of my inspirations so a treasure to have his video. Thank you for this interview ❤🎹👍🏽
Wow, great stuff! Thank you!
Nice to hear your stories, brother....stay healthy and roll on.....
First found him after hearing “Nite Mist Blues”
This guy it so humble. Great Interview!
wonderful!
This is awesome
Ray Brown was raised in a church in Pittsburgh since he was born. He told me hundreds of stories what he lived and felt. Monty is totally right about it. Bill Basie was so too ... A lot of those guys from that time were raised in or around a church.
Great vid thx..i was waiting for Monty to speak of his brief relationship/marriage to Emily Remler, unless i missed it? Nevertheless it was a great insight on Monty's experiences and philosophy, great job, thank you.
Great job!
Hope you get the opportunity to write his biography.
❤❤❤🎶🎵
I was introduced to Monty’s music when I was around 14. The album I received from a bass player, who told me I should listen to him, changed my life course.
There was a guitarist named George Aguiar who I took lessons from who played with Monty a few times.
Anyway, I’ve always been a huge fan of Monty’s!!! Love his style and personality. A true gem of a human being.
Have fun.. pretty much thats how Victor Wooten became great on his bass... he just played for the fun of it.
How did you ever get an interview with the amazing Monty? Always an incredible player, but In the 70’s his playing was on a different level.
Btw, if you’re still in touch with him he may want to hear this I found. Guy who did it said it was inspired by Monty’s version of it from the Jamento album.
th-cam.com/video/lyqdNLi2Yjg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=AHP_rszf30mft6bK
Great interview btw.