MONTY ALEXANDER

BIRDLAND / MAY 28-31

Counting Nat “King” Cole, Erroll Garner and Oscar Peterson among his inspirations, Monty Alexander has forged a similar jazz career as a pianist who can command concert venues leading a trio. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Monty and his family moved to Miami when he was 17. By the time he was 20, he’d been “discovered” by Frank Sinatra, who helped launch his career with a gig at Jilly’s in Manhattan. That was 60 years ago. Along the way, Monty not only became one of the top piano trio attractions in jazz, but also kept a hand in Jamaican music, occasionally recording with guitarist Ernest Ranglin, and even helming a reggae band in the 1990s. His new album, D-Day (Pee Wee), refers to his birthday on June 6. He’ll be featuring tunes from it at this pre-80th birthday gig with his trio: Luke Sellick, bass; Jason Brown, drums. GK