Full Steam Ahead
The Monty Alexader Trio
Concord Jazz
CJ-287
1985
Full Steam Ahead Monty Alexander
01
Freddie Freeloader
05:16
02
Once I Loved
06:24
03
Ray's Idea
04:17
04
Because You're Mine
05:58
05
I Can't Get No Satisfaction
02:52
06
Happy Talk
06:03
07
Estate
04:38
08
Hi-Fly
5:22
09
Just Friends
3:37

Album Review

*Full Steam Ahead* by Monty Alexander is a spirited and vibrant jazz composition that encapsulates the pianist’s signature blend of Caribbean rhythms and classic swing. Known for his dynamic technique and infectious energy, Alexander delivers a performance that is both technically masterful and emotionally uplifting. The piece showcases his ability to seamlessly weave elements of reggae, calypso, and American jazz into a cohesive and engaging musical narrative.

 

In *Full Steam Ahead*, the piano leads with driving momentum, supported by a tight rhythm section that propels the piece with locomotive force—true to its title. The improvisational passages are filled with Alexander’s trademark flourishes: percussive chords, playful syncopation, and soulful melodic lines. The tune feels like a celebration, a musical journey charging forward with joyful intensity and rhythmic complexity.

 

What makes the piece particularly compelling is its balance between tradition and innovation. While deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, Alexander infuses the track with the spirit of his Jamaican heritage, creating a sound that is uniquely his own. *Full Steam Ahead* serves not only as a showcase of his virtuosic talent but also as a tribute to the enduring power of jazz to evolve and embrace diverse cultural influences.

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