Alpin Hong

MIM:  Pianist Alpin Hong’s combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet.

This was a laid-back, easy concert – an intimate crowd of about 20 from the Sagewood Retirement community next door.  Alpin was relaxed and enjoying himself; he even wore jeans.  He played a small selections of songs with enthusiasm and love for his work.  The concert was about 6 songs from a variety of composers.  He intruded each with small antidotes or discussions of the composers.

Although Alpin was engaging and an excellent speaker, I left the concert feeling detached from the artist himself.  The crowd, however, loved him and it was fun to be a part of such a small and special occasion.  Alpin was obviously an extremely talented pianist and I know this was a rare occasion to witness a musician of his caliber in such a close setting.

Monty Alexander

www.montyalexander.com

MIM:  in a career spanning four decades, jazz pianist Monty Alexander has spent a lifetime exploring sounds that graft the traditions of American jazz to his authentic Jamaican roots.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Alexander took his first piano lessons at age six.  As a youngster, he was often invited to sit in with the bands of prominent musicians working in Jamaican nightclubs and hotels.  Alexander came to the United States at the end of 1961, and less than two years later he had landed a gig with Art Mooney’s orchestra in Las Vegas, where he caught the eye of New York City club owner Jilly Rizzo and his friend Frank Sinatra.  Rizzo hired the young pianist to work in his club, where he accompanied many well-known performers such as Sinatra. 

Yes, Monty Alexander is a legend – that much is true.  With the two other members of his trio, he played a wide range of jazz piano pieces, classic melodies, and gentle melodies.  The entire performance was beautiful, if not entirely memorable.  A nice night of music.