Jamaican Jazz Icon Dr. Monty Alexander To Spread Holiday Cheer With NYC And D.C. Performances

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. December 15, 2023: Renowned Jamaican-born Grammy-nominated jazz legend, Dr. Monty Alexander, CD, O.J, is set to once again infuse the holiday season with his soulful rhythms and positive vibes in New York and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Alexander will return to grace the stage at Birdland Jazz in NYC from December 21st to 25th for twice nightly shows that promise to uplift  the spirits of jazz fans everywhere in what has become an annual performance.

Dr. Monty Alexander, C.D., O.J. (Hollis King Image)

For show times and ticket reservations, visit HERE and at https://www.birdlandjazz.com/tm-event/monty-alexander-holiday-show-2/

Nestled at 315 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, Birdland has been an integral part of New York City’s musical heritage since 1949, hosting jazz legends like Tito Puente and showcasing iconic big bands including those led by Chico O’Farrill, Duke Ellington, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Maria Schneider.

To close out the year, Dr. Alexander will again enchant audiences at Blues Alley in Washington D.C., with performances from December 27th to 31st. These twice nightly shows at Blues Alley are once again bound to be unforgettable, and tickets can be secured HERE and at https://www.instantseats.com/?fuseaction=home.venue&artistID=2145&venueID=3 Located at 1073 REAR Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007, Blues Alley has held its reputation as the nation’s premier jazz and supper club since 1965.

Dr. Alexander’s holiday repertoire will draw from a rich tapestry of musical experiences with American entertainment luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones. He will also pay homage to jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Milt Jackson, and Ray Brown. Moreover, he will hark back to his pioneering role in Jamaican popular music during the late 1950s and his profound friendship with the late Jamaican American icon and freedom fighter, Dr. Harry Belafonte.

Joining Dr. Alexander on stage will be accomplished musicians Luke Sellick on bass and Jason Brown on drums, while the special feature guest for the nights of December 21/22 and 23 in NYC will be the celebrated hand drummer/percussionist extraordinaire, Bobby Thomas, Jr.

These performances follow the completion of his highly anticipated upcoming studio album, ‘D-DAY,’ which features Sellick on bass and Brown on drums.

As he approaches his 80th birthday, Dr. Alexander continues to mesmerize global audiences with his infectious energy and heartfelt messages during his worldwide tours. Currently in production, “The Monty Alexander Movie,” a documentary filmed in Jamaica, the United States, and Europe, directed by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Jefferson Miller and veteran filmmaker Arthur Gorson, promises an insightful glimpse into Dr. Alexander’s artistic journey.

Since his move from Kingston, Jamaica to the United States almost six decades ago, Alexander has remained an iconic figure in American jazz. His captivating energy, boundless melodic creativity, effervescent rhythms, and sophisticated artistry span jazz, blues, gospel, calypso, reggae, and the American songbook.

Boasting an extensive discography of over 75 albums and recognized as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Alexander received the esteemed Commander in the Order of Distinction in 2000. In 2022, the Jamaican government honored him with the national distinction of the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding contributions to Jamaican music and his remarkable interpretations of jazz on a global scale. Additionally, he holds an honorary doctorate (DLitt) from the University of The West Indies.

Alexander’s virtuosic piano skills and his unique fusion of jazz with Caribbean musical influences continue to captivate global audiences. His performances are marked by infectious energy, soulful improvisation, and an innate groove. Whether interpreting jazz classics, reimagining popular tunes, or showcasing his own compositions, Alexander’s expressive playing leaves an indelible mark on listeners.

Beyond his musical achievements, Dr. Alexander takes immense pride in representing Jamaican culture on a global stage, infusing the spirit and vibrancy of his homeland into his performances. As a respected figure in the jazz world, his music transcends borders, forging connections among people and leaving an enduring impact on all fortunate enough to witness his extraordinary talent.

For more information, visit his YouTube channel or his official website at https://montyalexander.com/. You can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmontyalexander or stay updated on his performances through his Twitter handle, @montyHKE.

West Indies Secure Commanding 2-0 Series Lead Over England

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News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Dec. 14, 2023: The West Indies are champions again!

In an exciting showdown, West Indies opener Brandon King showcased his prowess with an unbeaten half-century, earning the Man-of-the-Match title while Captain Rovman Powell joined the fireworks with a fantastic fifty of his own as the West Indies triumphed over England by ten runs, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series held at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium.

Starting on a shaky note at 54 for four in the ninth over, West Indies rallied to reach a formidable total of 176 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Brandon King’s masterful 82 not out off 52 balls led the charge, while Powell contributed a blistering 50 off just 28 deliveries.

England’s response fell short despite Sam Curran’s impressive 50 off 32 balls. They finished at 166 for seven, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s figures of three for 39 and left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein’s two for 24 creating obstacles in their run chase. Left-arm spinner Guadkesh Motie, in his second T20 International appearance after a two-year hiatus, added to England’s frustration with a brilliant four-over spell that conceded only nine runs.

This victory marked West Indies’ third consecutive T20I win and their seventh in ten matches this year.

West Indies celebrate victory during the 2nd T20 International match between West Indies and England at the National Cricket Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Grenada, Grenada. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)

Despite a promising start, West Indies faced a sudden collapse, losing four wickets for just 11 runs in a span of 16 deliveries. Brandon King, with eight fours and five sixes, initiated a partnership of 43 off 34 balls with Kyle Mayers (17) in the power-play. However, the wickets started falling when Mayers was dismissed in the sixth over, followed by Nicholas Pooran in the next over. Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer also departed quickly.

Brandon King, though, remained unflappable and forged a record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership of 80 runs with Powell and an additional 42 runs with Andre Russell (14). These crucial partnerships propelled West Indies to accumulate 108 runs in the last nine overs. King reached his eighth T20 International fifty in the 13th over, while Powell blazed his way to a 27-ball fifty.

Powell’s explosive performance included three fours and five sixes, but he perished in the 17th over after single-handedly taking 28 runs off the over. King continued till the end, finishing the innings strongly.

West Indies’ bowlers struck early, with Akeal Hosein dismissing England’s captain Jos Buttler for just two runs. Opener Phil Salt (25) and Will Jacks (24) steadied the innings with a 46-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Joseph took crucial wickets in the deep, leaving England at 65 for three in the 10th over.

Sam Curran, promoted to number four, counter-attacked with four fours and three sixes, forming partnerships with Liam Livingstone (17) and Moeen Ali (22 not out). Despite Curran’s efforts, Joseph took his third wicket at the beginning of the 18th over. England required 43 runs from 17 balls, but Jason Holder’s brilliant penultimate over, costing only three runs, derailed their chances of victory.