The Full Monty

It has been years since piano virtuoso Monty Alexander performed in Jamaica. Later this evening he breaks that dry spell with a benefit concert at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew in aid of The University of the West Indies’ Global Giving Programme.

The affable Alexander sat down with the Jamaica Observer ahead of the performance, dubbed Home For Christmas. He shared thoughts on the performance, Jamaican music and culture, and inspiring and being inspired by the current crop of Jamaican musicians and artistes.

He said accepting the invitation to perform in Jamaica was a no-brainer.

“I was really pleased when I got the call. I have gotten invitations over the years since the last time, which was a good while ago, and the timing was not right and the stars were not aligned. Also, I feel very happy as the main organiser of this event is someone who I look up to with respect and I thought this would be good as I had trust and confidence. What I do depends greatly on playing on a piano and you don’t find too many good pianos down here. So once I was assured that I was getting a good piano and I was playing a concert which is a benefit. It isn’t about fattening my pocket, but going towards some people who need some support,” he said. Read more

Source: Jamaica Observer