Anthology

Pianist Monty Alexander built his five-decade career on bridging the gap between American jazz, pop music and the music of his native Jamaica. He has performed with such legendary artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ray Brown, Quincy Jones and more.

Alexander was born in Kingston, Jamaica where he took his first piano lesson at age 6 and, as a teenager, went to Louis Armstrong and Nat “King” Cole concerts. These shows inspired Alexander to start his own band and, in the late 1950’s, Monty and the Cyclones was formed. The band played with Bob Marley’s first backing band, The Skatalites.

In 1961, Alexander and his family moved to the U.S. and less than two years later, he caught the ear of Frank Sinatra. Alexander was hired to work at the New York club Jilly’s, where he played with Sinatra and others. He has collaborated with Natalie Cole and George Gershwin, and also recorded the piano track of the film score of Clint Eastwood’s Bird, a movie about the life of Charlie Parker.

In 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. In 2008, Alexander conceived and directed Lords of the West Indies at Lincoln Center, which was broadcast nationally and received critical acclaim.

Alexander has recorded over 60 albums and maintains an active touring schedule.