Monty Alexander – Spunky (1965)

Monty Alexander – Spunky (1965 Jazz Album Review  Pacific Jazz Records)

PACIFIC JAZZ RECORDS 1965                   ST-20094

notes:

Released in 1965, Spunky is one of the early recordings that helped 

establish Jamaican-born jazz pianist Monty Alexander as a rising voice

 in modern jazz. Issued on the Pacific Jazz label, the album captures 

Alexander in his early twenties delivering energetic piano performances 

rooted in hard bop, blues, and swing traditions.

For jazz listeners exploring Alexander’s early catalog, Spunky offers a

 fascinating glimpse into a musician already displaying the rhythmic 

drive and improvisational flair that would define his long career.

Album Overview

Spunky is a studio album recorded in Los Angeles and New York and 

released by Pacific Jazz in 1965. The recording features Alexander 

leading small-group sessions backed by respected jazz musicians 

including bassist Victor Gaskin and drummer Paul Humphrey, with 

additional appearances by Bob Cranshaw, Bruno Carr, 

and guitarist Gene Bertoncini

credits:

Bass – Bob Cranshaw (tracks: A4, B1), 

Victor Gaskin (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2 to B5)

Drums – Bruno Carr (tracks: A4, B1), 

Paul Humphrey (tracks: A1 to A3, A5, B2 to B5)

Guitar – Gene Bertoncini (tracks: A4, B1), 

Scott Turner (tracks: B4)

Photography By  – Les McCann

Piano – Monty Alexander

 

Recorded At – World Pacific Studios L.A.

Recorded At – Plaza Sound StudiosN.Y.

 Producer – Richard Bock

tracklist:

A1 Spunky

Written-By – Monty Alexander

2:39

A2 Naturally

Written-By – Nat Adderley

3:35

A3 Jamaican Shake

Written-By – Monty Alexander

2:25

A4 Heartstrings

Written-By – Milt Jackson

3:33

A5 Taggies Tune

Written-By – Junior Mance

4:14

B1 Rattlesnake

Written-By – Monty Alexander

2:30

B2 Whisper Not

Written-By – Benny Golson

3:58

B3 I'm An Old Cow Hand

Written-By – Johnny Mercer

2:32

B4 Little Children Of Peru

Written-By – Scott Turner

2:50

B5 Spirit Of Foo Foo

Written-By – Monty Alexander

4:45

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