Eric Alexander

Eric Alexander is in top form throughout this 2007 quartet session with some of his favorite bandmates, including David Hazeltine, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe Farnsworth, all four of whom are members of the group One for All and regular participants on the Manhattan jazz scene in clubs and studios. The big-toned tenor saxophonist covers a lot of bases, including several standards, works by jazz greats (all tenor players), and a bossa nova. Though John Coltrane has been an obvious influence on some earlier recordings, he has developed his own sound, blending ideas from past artists with his own. The rhapsodic treatment of "Stella by Starlight" is one highlight, and while he opts for the famous Coltrane modal setting of "My Favorite Things," he doesn't linger in getting to the conclusion of its theme. His turbocharged take of Sonny Rollins' "Airegin" is fueled by his fiery rhythm section, while Hazeltine's soulful, lush accompaniment is the perfect backdrop for the leader in the moving "Lover Man." Another fine date by Eric Alexander, one of the best saxophonists of his generation.

This is an old-fashioned two-tenor blowing date that matches together the relatively young Eric Alexander and the veteran Lin Halliday. As with the best tenor battles, the two co-stars show plenty of fire and intensity and consistently battle to a tie, with the audience being the real winner. With fine support given by pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Dan Shapera, and drummer Wilbur Campbell, the tenors jam hard on such tunes as "The Eternal Triangle," "Speak Low," and "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," being reminiscent of the Sonny Stitt/Gene Ammons dates of the 1950s and '60s. Highly recommended to fans of this genre.

More stunning playing from tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander's Gentle Ballads series. Included are "So In Love," "Hush-A-Bye," "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" and more!

More stunning playing from tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander's Gentle Ballads series. Included are "So In Love," "Hush-A-Bye," "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" and more!

As difficult times often beget new beginnings, the COVID-19 quagmire gave birth to alto saxophonist Eric Alexander.

Saxophone titan Eric Alexander and Hammond maestro Mike LeDonne come together for an incredible duo record on Cellar Music. With the two principals featured in both solo and duo formats, 'Together' is tethered by the supreme musicianship for which LeDonne and Alexander are known, as well as the comfortable tug of trust and bandstand familiarity. Featuring both original compositions and standards, this recording showcases a special musical dialog between these two modern masters who's long standing friendship and talent enables them to communicate with a kind of musical clairvoyance.

Like its predecessor, Gentle Ballads, Gentle Ballads, Vol. 2 is another fairly low-key session led by Eric Alexander. Not only is the personnel identical (pianist Mike LeDonne, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe Farnsworth), but the cover art once again features a nude photo by the late Jeanloup Sieff, quite possibly the same model from the same photo shoot. The tenor saxophonist mixes things up a bit more during this 2006 session, playing ballads that were hits for popular singers ("Mona Lisa" and "I'm a Fool to Want You"), 1960s Broadway ("Who Can I Turn To"), and 1960s pop ("The Look of Love"), in addition to the expected standards. Best are the deliberate take of Duke Ellington's timeless melancholy ballad "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" and a bluesy, loping treatment of Neal Hefti's "Li'l Darlin'," which became a signature piece for Count Basie. The John Coltrane influence is again apparent, though Alexander isn't a mere clone, even if this enjoyable date falls short of being groundbreaking.

Saxophone titan Eric Alexander and Hammond maestro Mike LeDonne come together for an incredible duo record on Cellar Music. With the two principals featured in both solo and duo formats, 'Together' is tethered by the supreme musicianship for which LeDonne and Alexander are known, as well as the comfortable tug of trust and bandstand familiarity. Featuring both original compositions and standards, this recording showcases a special musical dialog between these two modern masters who's long standing friendship and talent enables them to communicate with a kind of musical clairvoyance.