“With Respect to Monty” by Donald Vega | July CD of the Month

Donald Vega was a child prodigy on the piano in his native Nicaragua, classically trained he opted to move to Los Angeles when he was 15 years old in order to pursue studies in jazz, his true passion. He attended the prestigious Colburn School of Music in Los Angeles before moving on to the Manhattan School of Music and The Julliard School graduating from both institutions.  Donald is Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio touring pianist and sits on the board of Back Country Jazz, a non-profit organization which provides music education programs and performances to under privileged youth. Vega’s debut album, Tomorrows, was released in 2008 to rave reviews. For his sophomore album, Spiritual Nature, he was joined by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash. Hearing is vital to any musician, Donald was born with a severe cleft palate, for which he has had many surgeries to correct and save his hearing.

For his third outing as a leader, Mr. Vega chose to honor Jamaican jazz pianist Monty Alexander, one of his inspirations. Vega like Monty is a gifted technical player yet both play with a playful spirit and much enthusiasm. On this new recording With Respect for Monty on Resonance Records, Donald doesn’t imitate Alexander, rather he creates his own sound playing the music of Monty. Donald Vega is joined by Monty’s bass player, Hassan Shakur who is the son of the great pianist, the late Gerald Wiggins. He is also accompanied by guitarist Anthony Wilson who is the son of the recently deceased legendary band leader, Gerald Wilson, add to this is the superlative drummer Lewis Nash, no wonder this is a swingin’ session. Upon hearing this recording, the honoree Monty Alexander said this about it: “I am greatly delighted that the fantastic, inventive pianist Donald Vega has applied his wonderful creativity to compositions of mine. I enjoyed his unique interpretations.”