Jazz from Fred Hall to Monty Alexander

Fred Hall led his Sugarbabes in the mid- to late-1920s and disappeared from band leading in the 1930s. He became a music publisher and radio producer. Monty Alexander grew up in Jamaica and came to America as a pianist in New York clubs and he learnt his craft alongside the greats, including some compliments from Frank Sinatra.

As well there’s a lovely tune written by Dave and Iola Brubeck and sung by Rene Marie. A new CD from Karen Sharp will make its mark and she plays with Nikki Ilse, Dave Green and Steve Brown.

There are some re-issues of works by Ben Webster, Shorty Rogers, Johnny Hodges and Andre Previn with a track from a new album by Gary Burton.