At 17 years old, a serendipitous encounter with Frank Sinatra and his long-time pal Jilly Rizzo changed the trajectory of Jamaican-born pianist Monty Alexander’s career forever: Alexander would soon become the house pianist for the famed Jilly’s club in New York City and develop a unique relationship with its most famous patron.
Sinatra’s centennial elicits fond memories of Alexander’s time spent at the intimate hangout, and with the help of GRAMMY® Award-winning and DownBeat Critics Poll-dominating singer Kurt Elling, he will share stories and anecdotes from a treasured and rare perspective. A masterful pianist, Alexander’s career spans five decades and includes collaborations with some of the most important figures in jazz, like Milt Jackson, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie, as well as an illustrious recording career as a leader.
National touring artist Elling, referred to by The Guardian as, “a kind of Sinatra with superpowers,” will provide his vocal interpretation of the classic tunes, of which he is no stranger to. Joining the duo will be bassist Hassan Shakur, guitarist Frank Vignola, hand drummer Robert Thomas Jr., and drummer Dennis Mackrel. This early, nurturing period in which the young pianist and an iconic hero spontaneously mused on saloon songs up into the wee hours of the night is a Valentine’s weekend treat sure to satisfy both nostalgic and contemporary tastes.
Sinatra songs featured in the concert will include “Young at Heart”, “I’ve Got You Under my Skin”, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning”, “Luck, Be a Lady Tonight”, “The Summer Wind”, and “Fly Me to the Moon”.
Tickets to Monty Alexander & Friends can be purchased through at jazz.org, 24 hours a day, or via CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, open daily from 10am to 9pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, located on Broadway at 60th Street, ground floor. Box Office hours: Monday–Saturday from 10am to 6pm (or 30 minutes past curtain) and Sunday from noon to 6pm (or 30 minutes past curtain).
Hot Seats, $10 seats for select shows in Rose Theater, are available for purchase to the general public on the Wednesday prior to each performance. Subject to availability. Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Hot Seats Ticket Discount Program is supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Please visit jazz.org for more information.
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