This past weekend I had the pleasure of seeing Monty Alexander at Keystone Korner in Baltimore. To say Monty is still bringing it at age 78 is the understatement of the century. The man brings it like no other, and seeing him play live is kind of like a religious experience. I mean an experience like an early Dead show, no Electric Kool-Aid necessary.

I’ve written before about Keystone Korner, the only legit old-school jazz club in the DMV. Seeing anyone there is a treat; seeing the best is, well… the best. I’d seen Mr. Alexander there before, a year and a half ago, and you can listen to my review here. Saturday’s show was similar, but like all great performers, it’s never exactly the same. One highlight: an impromptu audience sing-along, encouraged by the man himself, as Monty and his trio launched into an instrumental version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Yeah, an instrumental version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” If you can make that work, you’re worth seeing.

And Monty Alexander is the greatest performer I’ve ever seen. There. I wanted that documented. There’s a reason Sinatra went to see this guy play, and a reason Frank told his club-owning buddy, Jilly Rizzo, to hire him.

Born in Jamaica, Alexander came to the United States as a young man and has played everywhere with everyone. A lifetime of making music. Among other things he played with the what I consider the greatest jazz band of all time, Count Basie Orchestra. Like, played the piano for them, in the Count’s seat after he passed away. This is like sitting in for God.

At the risk of spouting more cliches, Monty Alexander transcends “jazz,” bringing the intensity of a rock concert and the joy of a pop concert to the world of uneven eighths. There’s a “ta-da!” finish to every tune, brought out with the flourish and flair of a symphony conductor. It’s got the glitz of late-period Elvis, but not in a bad or tacky way.

And if Elvis had gone to Julliard.

Go out and buy every Monty Alexander record you can, though it won’t be the same as seeing him live. Like a Phish studio album it only scratches the surface.

Just counting the days until he’s back at the Korner. I’ll be there.