The Monty Alexander Trio LIVE! At The Montreux Festival 1976

Pianist Monty Alexander did some of his finest recordings for the German MPS label with this one maybe being his best. This live trio set recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in June 1976 with bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton, features Alexander playing his usual repertoire of the period with blues, standards ( “Satin Doll,“ “Work Song“ and “Battle Hymn of the Republic“ ) and even a version of schmaltzy “Feelings“, so in vogue at the time, that uplifts the song quite a bit. The trio’s soulful approach and extended improvisations to the generally familiar melodies make them sound fresh and swinging like mad. Bill Evans at the Village Vanguard it might not be, but it sure is one of the swinginest live piano trio recordings in all of jazz for my money, if the enthusiastic audience response is any measure. 1-Nite Mist Blues 10:11 2-Fellings 5:35 3-Satin Doll 8:20 4-Work Song 13:38 5-Drown In My Own Tears 3:59 6-Battle Hymn Of The Repu