Monty, the Bronze Buckaroo, and the Road Home

Peace and love, everybody.

Yesterday, I had the joy of celebrating the birthday of my dear friend, the legendary Monty Alexander. We shared a delightful evening together, highlighted by a superb dinner prepared by my wife, Pat.

If you’ve ever spent time with Monty, you know that his genius at the piano is only part of the story. He’s also one of the warmest, funniest, most generous human beings you’ll ever meet. We’ve shared stages, stories, and more than a few laughs over the years.

Monty and I have always bonded over our mutual love of Nat King Cole, Westerns, and the joy of making music together.

One of my favorite memories takes me to Lone Pine, California, the little town where so many classic Westerns were filmed. Think Bad Day at Black Rock with Spencer Tracy and countless cowboy movies. We were there to honor the legendary Herb Jeffries, the Bronze Buckaroo himself.

Monty had made the connection. Here I was, a kid from Brooklyn who fell in love with horses after moving to western Pennsylvania, suddenly sitting down with one of the original Black singing cowboys I’d admired for years. I’ll never forget our long conversation about cowboys, the West, and the stories that history sometimes forgets to tell. Sadly, Herb passed away just days before the concert. But the show went on.

Years later, when Monty came to see Cross That River at 59E59 Theaters, I looked over and saw tears in his eyes. I never forgot that. Happy Birthday, Monty Alexander!

Speaking of friendship, this week has also reminded me that family comes in many forms. Some family you’re born into. Others you find along the road. Pat and I have been fortunate to spend time with both.

We’ve enjoyed time with the Wyatts on Pat’s side and with my father and Sandy on mine. As the years go by, I realize that being together matters more than agreeing on everything. Time is precious.

And then there is the family you choose.

Pat and I recently spent three beautiful days in the Poconos with Bill Soleau and Christine Redpath, working on Cross That River, revisiting the script, making updates and rewrites, and dreaming about the four upcoming shows at the International Black Theatre Festival.

They fed us, encouraged us, and made the entire weekend a joy. Sitting by the lake in the country air, sharing meals and laughter, I was reminded once again how blessed we are by the people who walk beside us.

Oh yeah...family and friends. That’s what life is all about. But lets talk about those Knicks! New York is buzzing after the their incredible win on Friday. Talk about close! I can’t wait for Monday night’s game in the Garden.

I also had a wonderful rehearsal this week with some extraordinary young musicians. I’ve been performing with the talented Ricky Jefferson on piano, bassist Nimrod Speaks from Philadelphia with that soulful sound, drummer Russell Markey, part of the wonderful musical tutelage of Jerome Jennings, and an incredible young Native American tenor saxophonist named Rico Jones. Keep an eye on Rico.

As June unfolds, Juneteenth is very much on my mind. On June 20, I’ll head to Gettysburg to perform at the Majestic Theater. I’m honored to stand on ground so deeply connected to our nation’s struggle toward freedom. I’ve been preparing songs that trace our story, from Negro spirituals to soul and jazz—alongside the words of the Gettysburg Address.

But if you’re reading this, chances are you’re one of them.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Until next time, hold your people close, celebrate the ones who inspire you, and don’t forget to tell your friends what they mean to you while you still can.

Peace and love,

Allan