This 1971 recording marks the beginning of the fruitful relationship between the Jamaican pianist Monty Alexander and MPS, which lasted for over a decade and includes about a dozen albums. Originally praised as the heir of Oscar Peterson, Alexander soon became famous for his fusion of jazz, Caribbean sounds and blues. Montevideo starts with a Latin beat in double time and a witty piano game, which is adorned with many quotations. Where is Love is a longing, romantic serenade, and the George Harrison composition Here Comes The Sun transforms Monty into a blues-colored Latin song with a touch of boogie. The standard Love Walked In takes Alexander at a fast pace, demonstrating his fast-paced rhythm with bebop cross-references. The sensual Brown Skin Girl is followed by Monty's tender, melancholy solo version of The Dream Is Mine. And under Miles Davis' cult piece So What, the quartet performs a driving Latin rock beat. Variety brings spice to life, as we all know - in this sense Monty Alexander and his band mates have really tasted this album fine.
