Jazz Artist Gets Nominated for 2012 Reggae Grammy: Monty Alexander - Stir It Up, The Music Of Bob Marley

The title of this blog is somewhat misleading because Jazz Pianist Monty Alexander was actually nominated this year for an album called "Harlem-Kingston Express" and not "Stir It Up"(released in 1999). But this nomination would probably not have been possible without the initial concept he presented on the album "Stir It Up - The Music Of Bob Marley"

Monty's history dates back to the early 60s where he performed with Jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Brown, Frank Sinatra, Milt Jackson & many more from that era. But being Jamaican, the music of our country runs deep in his veins and though an accomplished jazz pianist he has never turned his back on his own culture. This makes his playing and repertoire very unique.

He took a chance and experimented on an album where he covered some songs from the Legendary Bob Marley, fusing the genres of Jazz & Reggae to perfection in my book - he set up his jazz trio along with a four piece reggae band in the studio and hit the record button. Intertwining, alternating, fusing and just having plain fun. That's how it feels when I perform with him. Yes I've had the opportunity and it's awesome.

"Stir It Up - The Music Of Bob Marley" features thirteen songs a few of which are Monty Alexander originals. Marley classics include "No Woman No Cry", "Could You Be Loved", "Is This Love" & my favorite on the album "I Shot The Sheriff".

If you are an open-minded listener of music and you can appreciate great musicianship or just looking for something fresh and different, this is an album you should definitely check out.


Here's a video of him performing with an extended version of the ensemble

Muslims & Catholic Come Together In Hip-Hop: OUTLANDISH - "Closer Than Veins"

Browsing the racks of an apparel store in Dubai a few years ago I heard a song over the  PA that caught my attention so I inquired who it was and guy that worked in the store was able to tell me - OUTLANDISH. I looked them up online as I returned to the hotel and bought the album "Closer Than Veins". 

I had no knowledge of the groups background and being the way I am (usually I don't necessarily pay close attention to lyrical content), I didn't realize until about a year or so later that some of the songs, if not most of them had religious or spiritual foundations. This could be why this album resonated with me on a deeper level right away without me even realizing it.

The group consists of three members and is based in Denmark. Though from separate backgrounds (Moroccan - born in Denmark, Pakistani - born in Denmark & Cuban - born in Honduras) they seem to have found a formula that works. They classify the group as Hip-Hop, though I wouldn't agree, but I guess that's the "box" they'd fit in if they were to be put in one. What would I classify the group as, what box I'd put them in? None, because they actually fuse genres and cultures. I'd just say its GREAT MUSIC, but our industry has these "boxes" so Hip-Hop it is.

The album has 17 tracks some of which they show their bilingual ability. My favorite is still the first song that caught my ears in the store "Callin' U" even though there are a lot of other great songs like Track 2 -"Any Given Time", Track 3 -"Look Into My Eyes" & Track 8 - "Words Stuck To Heart".

What I like about this album is the difference in production as compared to the typical Western "pop, R&B, Hip-Hop" sound. They "hear" things differently in Europe, so they write, compose and produce music differently. It's not only about getting that "commercial" sound, and even if there's that "commercial" sound, there will be something of depth, something organic about the way it's produced and put together. And as I mentioned, you'd probably not realize the spiritual foundations right away in the lyrics.
 
So, another great album to check out in my opinion - OUTLANDISH - "Closer Than Veins"


Here's the song which caught my attention "Callin' U"






Thanks Have A Great Day!!

Jazzy, Soulful, Overdosed Addict - Amy Winehouse: Back To Black

Don't misunderstand or take the title of this blog out of context, just stating the facts. I love Amy Winehouse's music, her voice & delivery is one of a kind. This makes me wonder what drives these fairly young artists to become addicts and end their promising lives/careers before reaching thirty years old - Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Robert Johnson, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and the list goes on. Check out this link - 27 Club

Anyhow back to my "Jazzy Addict". Amy has two albums that I know of, "Frank" & "Back To Black".  The latter is of course my favorite of the two.

I wasn't fond of the single "Rehab" but I got more interested in the album after doing a gig with an artist who played a cover of "Just Friends" (Track 4). When I heard that song and asked who sang it, I think I bought the album within a few days after that.
I had no idea of the style and versatility Amy Winehouse had on her record. I love how the entire record was produced as well. They went for a kind of old sound, yet, still contemporary.
The version of the album I got on iTunes has 12 tracks. Two of which are remixes of songs on the album (Rehab & You Know I'm No Good). So in essence there are ten songs on the album but I read that on the UK release there was another song - "Addicted". This was included as a bonus track in other regions .....must be after I bought it because I'm not familiar with that song. 
My favorite songs on "Back To Black" are "Just Friends", "Love Is A Losing Game" & "Me & Mr Jones". I must warn you though, expect some profanity (specifically on "Me & Mr Jones").

All in all this is a great album to check out, I love it and hope you'll find some great songs here that you'll like also. Check it out on iTunes  - BACK TO BLACK


And just as a treat my fav "Just Friends"

And a duet with Tony Bennett - "Body & Soul"

 Thanks, Have A Great Day!

Sensual, Sexual Janet Jackson - The Velvet Rope

Fifteen years ago Janet Jackson released an album which I think shocked everyone including me.
I don't think most people knew that she could be so openly sexual or sensual.  Don't get me wrong, she is a very beautiful woman and does have sex appeal but who would have thought she would unleash it all (or at least as much as she wanted to share) on her album - The Velvet Rope.

This is my favorite album by Janet to date. Her work before and after this is also good, but I usually only have a few songs on each of those records that I like. This one however, for some reason, I love all the songs.
From a production stand point Jam, Lewis & Jackson really did a great job (in my opinion of course).
The album has 22 tracks, seven of which are interludes. So that's 15 songs which in pure Jackson fashion has a great mixture of dance tunes, ballads and songs that make you say "what the!!??...let me hear that again"

I favor the title track more than any other but at the same time, thinking about it, I'm gonna start saying all the songs are my favorite LOL....
Anyhow, check out the videos.  THE VELVET ROPE is another album I think you should definitely check out (IMO).
Nuff Love to Ms Jackson I hope to do some work with her soon :-) 


The Velvet Rope on iTunes