TOMORROW, Monty Alexander is expected to stride to the podium at King’s House and receive the Order of Jamaica from Governor General Sir Patrick Allen during the National Honours and Awards ceremony.

A giant of modern jazz, the pianist will accept his country’s fifth-highest honour during a nostalgic period as Jamaica is celebrating its 60th anniversary as an independent nation while Alexander released Love Notes, his latest album, in August.

The 11-song set features his distinct piano touches but fans also get to hear Alexander sing, a rarity. His voice stands out on renditions of the Harry Belafonte standard Island in The Sun and on As Time Goes By, the timeless piece from Casablanca, the 1942 movie starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid.

The 78-year-old musician described his OJ call as “a very wonderful surprise”, adding that, “It’s a very appreciated honour that makes me very happy.”

Love Notes was released in August and continues Alexander’s jazzy reflections on his life in Jamaica during the 1950s and early 1960s, when he savoured the sounds of Belafonte, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole. He also worked as a session musician and witnessed the birth of ska.

Shortly after migrating to the United States in 1961 his prodigious talent was spotted by none other than Frank Sinatra while Alexander was playing at Le Bistro, a Miami club. Sinatra recommended him to his friend Jilly Rizzo, owner of the hip Jilly’s club in Manhattan which became one of the venues that introduced Alexander to jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

He has recorded over 75 albums of mainly traditional jazz. In the last 25 years Alexander has honoured his heritage by working with Jamaican musicians such as guitarist Ernie Ranglin, Sly and Robbie, saxophonist Dean Fraser, guitarist Wayne Armond and drummer Desi Jones.

His Harlem-Kingston Express band, formed over 20 years ago, pays homage to his Jamaican and American music influences. On Love Notes he continues that reflective journey.

“After 75 albums I wanted to do something that was vocal, of this nature. I wanted to do that with a special rhythm section that reflects Jamaica,” he shared.

Monty Alexander is one of three persons from the entertainment industry awarded the OJ this year. Other recipients are Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Poet Kwame Dawes has been awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander Class); former Trojan Records marketing executive Anthony “Chips” Richards, deejay Jeffrey “Agent Sasco” Campbell, singers Myrna Hague-Bradshaw and Kendrick “Lord Creator” Patrick, playwright Basil Dawkins, poet/folklorist Amina Blackwood-Meeks, and John Swaby (film and technical production) are recipients of the OD, Officer Class.

Delroy Williams has been awarded a Badge of Honour for “long and faithful service to religious music”.