Dr. Alexander will return to grace the stage at Birdland Jazz in NYC from December 21st to 25th for twice nightly shows that promise to uplift  the spirits of jazz fans everywhere in what has become an annual performance.

For show times and ticket reservations, visit HERE and at https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/monty-alexander-holiday-show-2/

Nestled at 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, Birdland has been an integral part of New York City’s musical heritage since 1949, hosting jazz legends like Tito Puente and showcasing iconic big bands including those led by Chico O’Farrill, Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

To close out the year, Dr. Alexander will again enchant audiences at Blues Alley in Washington D.C., with performances from December 27th to 31st. These twice nightly shows at Blues Alley are once again bound to be unforgettable, and tickets can be secured HERE and at https://www.instantseats.com/?fuseaction=home.venue&artistID=2145&venueID=3 Located at 1073 REAR Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, Blues Alley has held its reputation as the nation’s premier jazz and supper club since 1965.

Dr. Alexander’s holiday repertoire will draw from a rich tapestry of musical experiences with American entertainment luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones. He will also pay homage to jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and Ray Brown. Moreover, he will hark back to his pioneering role in Jamaican popular music during the late 1950s and his profound friendship with the late Jamaican American icon and freedom fighter, Dr. Harry Belafonte.

Joining Dr. Alexander on stage will be accomplished musicians Luke Sellick on bass and Jason Brown on drums, while the special feature guest for the nights of December 21/22 and 23 in NYC will be the celebrated hand drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Bobby Thomas, Jr.

These performances follow the completion of his highly anticipated upcoming studio album, ‘D-DAY,’ which features Sellick on bass and Brown on drums.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Dr. Alexander continues to mesmerize global audiences with his infectious energy and heartfelt messages during his worldwide tours. Currently in production, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary filmed in Jamaica, the United States, and Europe, directed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson, promises an insightful glimpse into Dr. Alexander’s artistic journey.

Since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States almost six decades ago, Alexander has remained an iconic figure in American jazz. His captivating energy, boundless melodic creativity, effervescent rhythms, and sophisticated artistry span jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

Boasting an extensive discography of over 75 albums and recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander received the esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000. In 2022, the Jamaican government honored him with the national distinction of the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and his remarkable interpretations of jazz on a global scale. Additionally, he holds an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and his unique fusion of jazz with Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are marked by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate groove. Whether interpreting jazz classics, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

Beyond his musical achievements, Dr. Alexander takes immense pride in representing Jamaican culture on a global stage, infusing the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As a respected figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders, forging connections among people and leaving an enduring impact on all fortunate enough to witness his extraordinary talent.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo for use with this article is available HERE: Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

]]> https://caribpr.com/jamaican-jazz-icon-dr-monty-alexander-to-spread-holiday-cheer-with-nyc-and-d-c-performances/feed/ 0 https://caribpr.com/jamaican-born-jazz-great-dr-monty-alexander-to-mark-caribbean-american-heritage-month-in-d-c/ https://caribpr.com/jamaican-born-jazz-great-dr-monty-alexander-to-mark-caribbean-american-heritage-month-in-d-c/#comments Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:01:05 +0000 caribpr http://caribpr.com/?p=15303 CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. June 7, 2022: One of the Caribbean’s premier artiste, Jamaican-born, Grammy-nominated international musician, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, will mark National Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington, D.C., this weekend with his 51^st annual performance at the famed Blues Alley Jazz Club.

Fresh from captivating audiences in France and Japan, Alexander returns to his loyal fan base in Washington, D.C. for a series of thrilling contemporary jazz performances at the iconic Blues Alley. The shows will kick off on Friday, June 9th and continue through Sunday, June 11th, with two shows per night at 1073 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.

Blues Alley, founded in 1965, is a jazz nightclub in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Musicians who have performed at Blues Alley include Dizzy Gillespie, Wynton Marsalis, John Abercrombie, Tony Bennett, Taj Mahal, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Sarah Vaughan, Grover Washington Jr., Mary Wilson, Nancy Wilson and dozens more.

Dr. Alexander, whose jazz album ‘Love Notes,’ was released last year as his first recording featuring his vocals, will not only mesmerize the audience but also celebrate his recent Order of Jamaica award from the Jamaican government, recognizing his significant contributions to Caribbean American and Jamaican music.

The showtimes for the Blues Alley performances are scheduled at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. EST, respectively, from June 9th to June 11th. Tickets priced at US$42 can be reserved now by selecting the desired date and time on the Blues Alley website at https://www.bluesalley.com/events.

Reflecting on the upcoming performances, Dr. Alexander, the Caribbean musical genius, shared: “At this special time my desire is to also pay musical tribute to a man with whom I enjoyed a wonderful friendship, fellow Jamaican, Harry Belafonte.” He also expressed his excitement to bring his timeless jazz artistry to the stage once again in the nation’s capital.

After almost six decades since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States, Alexander remains an iconic figure in American jazz, delighting audiences worldwide with his vibrant personality and soulful message. Renowned for his endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, and sophisticated voicings, his performances encompass a repertoire that spans jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

With over 75 recorded albums and being recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Monty Alexander received the Jamaican government’s esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000 and the national honor of the Order of Jamaica in 2022 for his exceptional contributions to Jamaican music and his global interpretations of the jazz genre. Furthermore, he was bestowed with an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Monty Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and unique blend of jazz and Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are characterized by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate sense of groove. Whether interpreting jazz standards, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

In addition to his musical achievements, Monty Alexander proudly represents Jamaican culture worldwide, incorporating the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As an esteemed figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders and connects people, leaving a lasting impact on all who have the pleasure of experiencing his remarkable talent.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, the jazz maestro continues to tour the world, delighting audiences with his vibrant personality and soulful messages. His latest project, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary showcasing his life and music, is currently in production in Jamaica, the U.S., and Europe, directed by Academy Award© winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson.

For more, visit  him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performances on Twitter at @montyHKE.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Please see pic for use with this article here:

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

MEDIA CONTACT:

Felicia J. Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616

felicia@caribpr.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/485394/Sony_Music_Entertainment_Lady_E_Live_for_Da_Road.jpg

“As the song says, ‘I live for this’. I am proud of our Junkanoo, our dance, our spirit, and our contagious happiness. You can’t listen to this song and stay quiet. “Live for Da Road” and Junkanoo are for dancing and we will prove it. Let’s All Dance!” said Lady E.  “The song is filled with energy so even if you have two left feet, it’s going to make you dance!” she added.

To celebrate the launch of her single, “Live for Da Road” remix, which dropped on Friday, March 31^st, Lady E will show fans around the world how her music makes everyone in the Bahamas dance. Every time someone visits her website and plays the song, someone in the Bahamas will dance. Lady E invites music lovers everywhere to join in the fun and post videos on their own social media platforms showcasing their best moves to the Junkanoo beat of “Live for Da Road.”

About Lady E
Lady E is an acclaimed Bahamian recording artist, known as The Road Fever Queen. Lead vocalist of popular bands such as Visage and Ting um Dem, before she formed her own band “High Tide”, Lady E jumped at the opportunity to return to the music scene as a solo artist at the introduction of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival organized by the Bahamas National Festival Commission. She landed a recording contract with Sony Music Latin for her single “Live for Da Road” after winning the Music Masters Competition during the 2016 Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. She travels extensively representing The Bahamas at multiple carnivals and festivals around the world. For more information, please visit www.ladyeofficial.com.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/483261/Sony_Music_Sammi_Starr.jpg

Sammi Starr is launching “#Bahamas” on Tuesday, March 28^th on his website www.sammistarrmusic.com as well as on Instagram. Sammi will search for his favorite photos and videos posted on Instagram with the hashtag #Bahamas and share them back with a soundtrack, his Bahamian Carnival anthem “Jump in Da Line” as well as an invitation to visit his web page. Fans can also add Sammi’s music to their photos themselves visiting www.sammistarrmusic.com.

“When you come to The Bahamas you are surrounded by beauty, music, culture, history and great vibes. I find thousands of pictures on Instagram of Bahamians and visitors having the time of their lives here. They inspired me to add my song “Jump in Da Line” as the soundtrack to their most vivid memories as we all celebrate together Junkanoo style through #Bahamas!” said Sammi.

“Jump in Da Line” is inspired by Junkanoo and it describes the Bahamian Junkanoo festival including the groups in formation and lines all moving to the sound of the rhythm. The song has received extensive airplay since its release and you can listen to it on the platform of your preference clicking here.

About Sammi Starr
Sammi Starr is a renowned Bahamian recording artist and producer in the Caribbean. Sammi landed a recording contract with Sony Music Latin for his single “Jump in Da Line” after winning the Music Masters Competition during the 2015 Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival organized by the Bahamas National Festival Commission. He represents The Bahamas with pride at international events throughout the Caribbean and in the United States. His style has been described as a unique blend of Marvin Gaye, Usher, Kanye West and John Legend with an island twist. For more information, please visit: www.sammistarrmusic.com

The tour will kick off on Friday January 20 at Da Real Ting Café in Jacksonville, Saturday January 21 at the Ginger Bay Café in Hollywood before moving on to the Wynwood Yard Cultural Center in Miami Dade County on Sunday January 22. It will conclude on Monday January 23 at Boston’s on The Beach in Delray Beach.

The Tour will continue up the East Coast of the United States

Thursday February 9 at Club Euphoria in Richmond, VA , Friday February 10 at Milk River Restaurant in Brooklyn, NY, Saturday February 11 at Off Key Tikki in Patchogue, NY, Sunday February 12 at The Shrine Music World in NY, NY and Thursday February 16 at  The Island Club in Athens, GA

The Watershed Tour is to promote the star’s latest album, The Watershed, which was released last month and which has already spawned its first hit single, Love Is.

The single has already landed in the Top 25 on the DRT ( Digital Radio Tracking) Independent Chart, within weeks of its release.

The Watershed Tour dates will mark Radics’ first live performances in Florida in nearly thirty years. Joining him on tour is the renowned Blak Diamond Band as well as acclaimed Jamaican solo artist Rica Newell, who has performed with many members of the world famous  Marley family for several years.

The Watershed album and the single Love Is have come in for high praise from critics and audiences across the United States and Europe, with many citing the album as Radics’ finest achievement to date in a career that has spanned nearly three decades.

At the Atlanta launch of the album held in November,  Guest of  Honor  Jewel Scott, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Georgia , heralded Radics as a “National treasure- one of Jamaica’s finest sons and one of our most distinguished cultural ambassadors, who has always created  music he can be proud of.”

Additional dates on The Watershed Tour will be released shortly.

Photo – http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/457575/Sound_Faculty_Jack_Radics_Live.jpg

Legendary Piano Master And Jamaica's Commander Of Distinction, Monty Alexander

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 14, 2016: Grammy-nominated, Jamaican jazz pianist and band leader, Monty Alexander, is coming to the legendary Chicago Jazz Showcase later this month.

Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express band, whose blend of music combines jazz seamlessly with the reggae genre of his homeland, will play the Chicago Jazz Showcase from November 24-27, 2016. Show times are 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. nightly.

The Jazz Showcase is the oldest historic jazz club in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1947 by Joe Segal and is now owned and operated by Wayne Segal, Joe Segal’s son.

Caribbean and other jazz fans who call Chicago home can see the award-winning Jamaican musician and his band by securing their tickets for the shows here or by logging on to the Chicago Jazz Showcase website. Tickets are $45 and $25, respectively, per show.

Alexander is an American classic. His performances have been called pure magic by many journalists and jazz fans around the world, and his sets are undoubtedly “a refined concept of groove.” This extraordinary musician continues to tour the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. His energetic pieces, documented on more than 70 CDs, draws upon the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition “to build up the heat and kick up a storm,” as Alexander puts it.

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression – the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Like his “eternal inspiration” – Erroll Garner -  Alexander is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing) and mentioned in Robert Doerschuk’s ‘88: The Giants of Jazz Piano.’

For more on the Monty Alexander and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.

Legendary Piano Master And Jamaica's Commander Of Distinction, Monty Alexander

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Oct. 11, 2016: Monty Alexander, the Grammy-nominated legendary Jamaican jazz musician known for his spirited musical conceptions that can appeal to even the squarest civilian, is coming to Miami early next month.

Alexander along with his Harlem-Kingston Express Band will bring together the musical worlds of American jazz, calypso, bebop and the music of his native Jamaica into one grand show set for the main stage of the South-Miami- Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC), 10950 SW 211 Street Cutler Bay FL 33189, on November 5, 2016 from 8 p.m.

Caribbean and other jazz fans who call South Florida home can see the award-winning Jamaican musician and his band by securing their tickets for the one-night only show here or by logging to the South-Miami- Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) website. The Jamaica Tourist Board and representatives from the Jamaica Consulate in Miami are also set to be in attendance.

Alexander is an American classic. His personal history with Miami dates back to 1961 when he first migrated there from Jamaica. A year later, he began what he calls his “adventures” as a professional musician.

“I’m looking forward to being back in the city where it all got started and to sharing my musical journey with the fans,” said Alexander.

This extraordinary musician continues to tour the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. His energetic pieces, documented on more than 70 CDs, draws upon the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit, and a consistent predisposition “to build up the heat and kick up a storm,” as Alexander puts it.

In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expression – the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Like his “eternal inspiration” – Erroll Garner -  Alexander is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever in The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time (Hal Leonard Publishing) and mentioned in Robert Doerschuk’s ‘88: The Giants of Jazz Piano.’

For more on the Monty Alexander and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.

CaribPR Wire, LAS VEGAS, March 25, 2016: The JUJU Royal Brand, founded by DropLeaf, LLC in partnership with JULIAN MARLEY, SON OF LEGENDARY REGGAE ARTIST BOB MARLEY, has already come under fire for breach of contract on payment to one of its original investors. DropLeaf, LLC is being sued by Erin Hackney, whose family trust, Hackney Family Trust, is an owner of the company.

The intent in building the Julian Marley Brand, JUJU Royal was to bridge reggae music, Rastafarian culture and the cannabis industry. The business has already been weakened with a lawsuit that was filed against the brand early this week for not paying a loan that was made to help launch the brand.

The suit filed on Monday March 21, 2016 states that on or about September 26, 2015, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into the Promissory Note dated September 16, 2015 in the amount of $74,262.00. Pursuant to the Note, Defendant agreed to repay the principal amount due, with interest, under the Note by the maturity date of January 1, 2016. Accordingly, $74,262.00 plus interest and costs was due on January 1, 2016. To date this has not been paid or attempts to do so by DropLeaf, LLC to the plaintiff, Erin Hackney.

Kingsley Brand, LLC, licensor of Julian Marley’s likeness and trademark name, exclusively partnered with DropLeaf, LLC to promote the movement to decriminalize marijuana and promote its healing benefits with the launch of the premium marijuana product line - Julian Marley JUJU Royal Premium Marijuana.

As the question continues of whether or not to legalize marijuana, son of the legendary reggae artist Bob Marley, Julian has continued to speak out in favor of decriminalizing marijuana and promote its healing benefits, Erin Hackney points out.

Julian at the launch of the product stated, “I am happy to speak out in favor of decriminalization and I salute DropLeaf as a proud participant in the movement and struggle to make this natural super plant available for all who need it and its healing properties.”  Nov. 12, 2014

About Erin Hackney

Erin Hackney, the co-founder of the Julian Marley JUJU Royal Brand, has 20+ years of successful Fortune 200 business development and management experience with Fidelity Information Systems, Manpower Group, and Ranstad Professional Group.

About DropLeaf, LLC

DropLeaf LLC, was seen as a pioneer of Branding within the Cannabis Industry. Their flagship brand has been Julian Marley JUJU Royal Premium Marijuana, a collection of dry product, edibles, and beverages. The DropLeaf team supported a legally controlled market for Marijuana where consumers and patients could purchase Cannabis for medicinal and personal use from a safe and legal source.

About Julian Marley
Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the Grammy Award Nominated roots-reggae musician, singer-songwriter, producer and humanitarian quickly adopted a musical lifestyle, and at an early age became a skillful, self-taught musician mastering the bass, drums, guitar and keyboards.

Contact:
Tamara Knechtel
E: Tamara@KnechtelGroup.com  
C: (917) 374-3004

Jamaica Award-Winning Jazz Great Monty Alexander

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. April 7, 2015: Jamaican-born award-winning jazz great, Monty Alexander, will take his popular brand of jazz to The Windy City this Saturday for one night only.

Alexander will play Chicago on Saturday April 11^th after a three year absence.  The Caribbean-born musician will take over the beautiful 400-seat Feinberg Theater, Venue Six10, at the Spertus Institute, 610 South Michigan Avenue, with the spectacular 17-piece Chicago Jazz Orchestra for a 7:30 performance.

Tickets are US$30 and $40, respectively and can be bought here or by logging on directly to  http://chicagojazzorchestra.org/store/cjomontyti/. Alexander is urging all jazz fans, including the many West Indians who call Chicago home, to make it a date and enjoy one night of his foot-tapping, hip swaying Caribbean-infused brand of jazz.

OTHER UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Alexander and his Grammy-nominated band, the Harlem Kingston Express will then perform at the Royal Conservatory Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada on Saturday, April 25^th as part of the 2014-2015 Season. Show time will be 8 p.m. sharp and tickets starts at CDN$35.  For tickets call the box office at 416.408.0208 or logging on here or at http://performance.rcmusic.ca/event/harlem-kingston_express

He will return with his band to the U.S. for a performance in the Big Easy, New Orleans, on Thursday, April 30^th. There he will play the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at the New Orleans Fair Grounds. Tickets can be purchased here for the annual festival, that will feature others greats like Elton John, Ed Sheeran and No Doubt or by logging on directly at  http://www.ticketmaster.com/shoppinglist/1B004E2676E61721

Alexander has built a reputation exploring and bridging the worlds of American jazz, popular song, and the music of his native Jamaica. With 70 recordings under his belt, he has performed globally with renowned artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Ray Brown, Natalie Cole and Tony Bennett among numerous others.

In August 2000 the Jamaican government awarded Alexander the title of Commander in the Order of Distinction for outstanding services to Jamaica as a worldwide music ambassador. And in 2012, ‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy award nomination.

In the summer of 2012, Alexander was also awarded the prestigious German Jazz Trophy, “A Life for Jazz,” while in November of the same year, he received the Caribbean American Heritage Luminary Award from the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C. His ‘Harlem-Kingston Express Vol. 2: The River Rolls On,’ was released in April on the Motéma Music label and remained for weeks at number one the Jazz radio charts.

In 2012 also, ‘Harlem Kingston Express: Live!,’ was singled out by both the recording industry and fans and received a Grammy nomination and last year, ‘Harlem Kingston Express Vol. 2’ was nominated for a Soul Train award.

Alexander maintains a rigorous touring schedule worldwide, from jazz clubs to concert halls and playing at Jazz Festivals. In Hal Leonard’s 2005 book ‘The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of All Time,’ Alexander is listed among the top five Jazz pianists of all time.

For more on the Caribbean’s greatest jazz pianist and his music visit him on YouTube or at montyalexander.com. You can also like him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or keep up to date on his performance on Twitter at @montyHKE.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Felicia Persaud

Hard Beat Communications

718-476-3616 (phone)

felicia@caribpr.com(email)