From Kingston to the international jazz stage, Monty Alexander brings the sounds of Jamaica and the traditions of American jazz together in a special holiday concert in Toronto.
The Grammy®-nominated pianist tells his musical story through jazz, ska and reggae, tracing a career that began in Jamaica and led to collaborations with figures including Ray Brown, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins.
For this performance, Alexander is joined by Lorin Cohen on acoustic bass, Joshua Thomas on guitar and electric bass, and Jason Brown on drums.
About Monty Alexander
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1944, Monty Alexander began performing and recording as a teenager before establishing his career in the United States.
Over more than six decades, his music has brought Jamaican musical traditions into conversation with jazz, combining swing and improvisation with ska and reggae.
Alexander has performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival 23 times and appears on more than 80 recordings, including the Grammy®-nominated Harlem Kingston Express: Live! His honours include Jamaica’s Commander in the Order of Distinction, the Order of Jamaica, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies.
Presented by Small World Music as part of Borderless Jazz 2026, in partnership with The Creative School Chrysalis.
Borderless Jazz is made possible with funding in part by the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.
Sunday, December 13
8:00 p.m.
The Creative School Chrysalis (Toronto Metropolitan University) · 43 Gerrard Street East
Venue details →