How do you reconcile a harmonically basic, rhythmically upside-down idiom like Bob Marley's reggae with the bop-derived environment in which pianist Monty Alexander usually works? Indeed, Alexander prefers not to choose, gambling audaciously by combining a six-piece Jamaican reggae rhythm section, the Gumption Band, with a three-piece jazz rhythm team. That makes for an interesting tussle; one rhythm section surges in front of the other and vice versa in a constant battle for supremacy (the Gumption Band usually comes off ...
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How do you reconcile a harmonically basic, rhythmically upside-down idiom like Bob Marley's reggae with the bop-derived environment in which pianist Monty Alexander usually works? Indeed, Alexander prefers not to choose, gambling audaciously by combining a six-piece Jamaican reggae rhythm section, the Gumption Band, with a three-piece jazz rhythm team. That makes for an interesting tussle; one rhythm section surges in front of the other and vice versa in a constant battle for supremacy (the Gumption Band usually comes off as the more dominant force). Sometimes Monty is limited to just a single right-hand line ("Is This Love?"); a '90s equivalent of those '60s albums where mainstream bopsters restrained themselves trying to cover Top 40 tunes. Not until "Stir It Up," which sounds a bit like Ahmad Jamal getting into the reggae groove, does Monty at last sound like a melodically free man. "No Woman, No Cry" ignites midway with a good fusion of a pure reggae groove and some harmonically advanced jazz, "So Ja Sah" has a swinging union of the two sections that also respects Marley's unusual rhythmic concept, and there is a hot remix of "Could You Be Loved" as a bonus track (with master drummer Sly Dunbar). Guest trombonist Steve Turre seems right at home with the reggae gait on "Running Away" and gets a straight-ahead bop solo in a slightly frenetic "I Shot the Sheriff." There isn't any doubt that Alexander loves Marley's music -- listen to his simple, touching Marley elegy "Nesta (He Touched the Sky)" -- yet this attempt to pay homage only comes together in patches. ~ Richard S. Ginell, Rovi
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
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All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!