Volume one of Decca's Britten opera series includes both of the blockbusters mentioned above, the charming comedy Albert Herring, and the rarely heard television opera Owen Wingrave, all recorded between 1959 (Grimes) and 1971 (Wingrave).
A fine straight-ahead jazz saxophonist, Eric Alexander grew up in the state of Washington. He initially attended Indiana University, studying classical music as an altoist. However, he soon discovered jazz, switched to the tenor, and transferred to William Paterson College in New Jersey. After graduating, he moved to Chicago and gained important experience touring with Charles Earland while also becoming a fixture in local clubs. In 1991, Alexander placed second at the Thelonious Monk Institute's saxophone competition, finishing just behind Joshua Redman…