With some 60 albums to his name Jamaican born jazz pianist Monty Alexander brought two diverse concerts to Bermuda Festival 2002 this weekend.

The first, 'America' explores the jazz of America with tributes to Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra and others. The second concert, 'Goin' Yard', named for his live album, features island music such as reggae and steel drums mixed with jazz.

On Friday, accompanied by American bassist Hassan A. Shakur (J.J. Wiggins) and London-born drummer Mark Taylor, Monty began 'America' by introducing himself and his fellow musicians before launching into a delightfully buoyant rendition of 'Two Base Hit', made famous by Dizzy Gillespie.

As outstanding as the skilled and dynamic playing of the instrumentalists was their ease on stage, their personalities shining through to engage the audience on a very personal level.

The second song was a tribute to recently deceased John Lewis. The trio played beautifully the reflective 'Django' written by Lewis as a tribute to maverick jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, a smoothly executed change of mood from the jaunty first number.

Next, Monty announced that the trio would be performing a medley of Duke Ellington hits beginning with 'Love You Madly'. The familiarity of these jazz classics was comforting and the distinctive and unique piano interpretations very refreshing. Indeed the whole first half of the show drew regular applause and cheering from the audience.

Between numbers the distinguished and charismatic Monty Alexander delivered lively anecdotes, with endearing humility, about his encounters with quite a few jazz greats. At one point we were taken back to his childhood in Jamaica when a wide-eyed boy was inspired to become a musician after seeing Louis Armstrong perform.

Even Monty's speaking was musical, easily mimicking accents and suggesting the possibility of some singing perhaps.

After the intermission we were treated to a wonderful piano solo. The songs following were a tribute to the Nat King Cole Trio and for this section guitarist Derek DiCenzo, who initially was only to perform in 'Goin' Yard' was invited on stage along with Hassan. The timekeeping was accomplished sans drums by spirited foot taping by guitarist and pianist. Finally, and to my absolute enjoyment, we were treated to Monty singing.

The drummer re-entered the stage and after a rousing finale of 'Glory, Glory Hallelujah' the band received a thunderous standing ovation. As an encore and certainly a highlight Monty invited his wife on stage. She performed an Italian song with an exquisitely clear voice and a smooth and sultry delivery.

The Monty Alexander Trio with Derek DiCenzo delivered a mesmerising evening of polish and artistry, full of new interpretations of the great old American jazz standards, that will no doubt linger in the minds of all who attended.