Monty Alexander acclaimed in Florida

MIAMI — Sunday May 22 was declared Monty Alexander Day in Broward County, Florida, following an outstanding performance by the internationally acclaimed jazz performer, during the first annual Reggae Jazz Fusion at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), Fort Lauderdale. 

Broward County Commissioner, Dale Holness, presented a proclamation in honour of the 50th anniversary of the jazz legend, who has earned a place among the top five jazz artistes in Hal Leonard’s book, ‘The Fifty Greatest Jazz Piano Players of all Time.'

Under the auspices of Jamaican Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths, patrons enjoyed a night of musical entertainment, as the special guest, Alexander, shared the stage with other Jamaican musical giants, including reggae singer, Maxi Priest, singer/songwriter, A.J. Brown and jazz performer, Cecil Grey, as the Center continued its 20th anniversary celebrations, showcasing a series of year-round events since last September.

Alexander demonstrated his talent and showmanship with a variety of selections, including fusions of contemporary jazz and reggae, anchored in traditional folk music. He had the audience participating in songs from his extensive repertoire of some 60 albums.

He described his musical journey as “an exciting one”, spanning five decades, performing on world stages with such greats as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Ernest Ranglin, Bill Cosby, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, Charlie Parker and Natalie Cole.

Following the performance, the Consul General praised his invaluable contribution to music, particularly jazz for 50 years, and for his “undeniable role” as an ambassador par excellence, in his own right, in the Jamaican Diaspora.

She also commended the outstanding performance and contribution of the other artistes, as well as the organizers of the event, Riddims Marketing and the BCPA, for showcasing Jamaica’s diversity in the arts.

By Cheryl Wynter (305-374-8384)