MONTY ALEXANDER : Montevideo [1971]

Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander has been playing & recording since the '60s and is still going strong.  He originally honed his chops playing behind Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, and the like.  But throughout the 60s, 70s, to the present has been releasing some quality albums.  This track is from his first LP recorded for the great MPS label.  A fast-paced Latin-jazz trio piece, it gives a kinetic energy and pulse throughout.  A nice crisp production, you can hear Alexander humming along with his piano lines.  

Song : "Montevideo" by Monty Alexander

From the LP "HERE COMES THE SUN" (MPS) 1971

LINEUP:

Monty Alexander : piano

Eugene Wright : bass

Duffy Jackson : drums

Montego Joe : conga

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LOU REED : Satellite Of Love (1972)

OK this is a bit of a no-brainer.  There is something strangely magnetic about this old Velvets song as redone by Lou.  For his second album, Reed was finally able to make his mark utilizing the producing and recording talents of David Bowie and Mick Ronson.  With the raw production and poetic vocals, they produced a classic.

This track is consistently interpreted as a song about obsession coming from the angle of love.  In short order, the song segues to great outro at 2:24.  Ronson's presence is felt in the piano flourishes, and Bowie in the backing vocals.  Reed himself has stated how much he admired Bowie's vocal note choices (especially the high part starting at 2:49). 

Song : "Satellite Of Love" by Lou Reed

From the LP "TRANSFORMER" (RCA) Nov. 8, 1972

Lou Reed : vocals, guitar

Herbie Flowers : bass

Mick Ronson : piano, backing vocals, string arrangements

John Halsey : drums

David Bowie : backing vocals

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