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Title: One For All – What’s Going On (2007) [Japan 2017]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Rock-solid work from One For All, easily one of the greatest straight jazz combos going, thanks to some tremendous tenor work from Eric Alexander, sweet piano work from David Hazeltine, and snapping rhythms from drummer Joe Farnsworth. The sextet also features Jim Rotondi on trumpet, Steve Davis on trombone, and John Webber on bass, all working here at the height of their powers, and also coming across with a bit more sharpness and soul than even other recent sessions on the Venus label. Arrangements are by all members of the group; the tunes are long and roll out beautifully with a solidly soulful feel — no surprise, given that most of them are covers of classic soul tunes from the ’70s.
One for All is an ongoing all-star band that regularly meets for record dates, though almost all members of the sextet lead individual groups of their own. The focus of this session is soul music, though not in the context one would expect to hear it. Trumpeter Jim Rotondi’s recasting of Marvin Gaye’s protest song “What’s Going On?” transforms the piece from a rather repetitious, irritating anthem into a brilliant post-bop vehicle, with sizzling solos and terrific ensembles. Tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander utilizes a similar method in his recasting of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” with equal success. Pianist David Hazeltine contributed several arrangements, including a snappy Latin-flavored setting of Stevie Wonder’s “Golden Lady” and a soulful yet upbeat chart of “Betcha by Golly, Wow,” the latter a hit for a number of different artists. Trombonist Steve Davis adds a Latin flavor to his pulsing take of “Stop! In the Name of Love,” a huge hit for the Supremes. Even jazz fans who aren’t particularly connoisseurs of soul music will find much to like in this enjoyable release.

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Title: One For All – The End Of A Love Affair (2001) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

One For All, a hard-bop sextet, explores jazz standards on the audiophile SACD The End of a Love Affair for Venus Records. The group features Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Steve Davis (trombone), Jim Rotondi (trumpet), David Hazeltine (piano), Peter Washington (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums). Their first Venus release delves into standards like “Skylark,” Jobim’s “Corcovado,” and Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments.” Hazeltine’s arrangements, with altered chords and suspended rhythms, breathe new life into familiar tunes. Three of the eight tracks are originals, showcasing the band’s creative spark. Hazeltine’s “How Are You?” grooves in a 12/8 Afro-Cuban style, highlighted by Davis’ smoldering trombone solo. Alexander’s “Shinjuku Waltz” features a harmonious bass solo by Washington, kicking off a string of solos. Davis’ “The Eyes Have It” is a Blakey-inspired shuffle with fiery solos from Davis, Alexander, and Rotondi. Washington provides rock-solid support throughout the session. The album’s engaging reinvention of standards and dynamic originals appeal strongly to hard-bop fans.

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Title: One For All – No Problem (2003) [Japan 2016]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

One For All, a New York-based hard-bop sextet, recorded this 2003 session for Venus with a steady core lineup and bassist Ray Drummond. The group, featuring Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Steve Davis (trombone), David Hazeltine (piano), and Joe Farnsworth (drums), formed in the mid-’90s. Most tracks, like Duke Jordan’s “No Problem” and “Moanin’,” are tied to Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, whose final album inspired the band’s name. Farnsworth’s “Our Father Who Art Blakey” is a driving tribute to Blakey’s legacy. “No Problem” gets a Latin twist, while Hazeltine’s delicate “Moanin’” offers a fresh take. The high-energy “Time Off” features a blistering Davis solo, and “Prelude to a Kiss” showcases Alexander’s passionate, Coltrane-esque balladry. Recorded at Avatar Studios, the album captures the band’s mastery and live intensity. Two originals, Farnsworth’s “Our Father…” and Davis’ “One for All,” complement the classic arrangements. The sextet’s cohesive energy and strong solos shine throughout. This powerful recording, with its frontal sound, is a must for hard-bop fans.

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Title: One For All – Killer Joe (2006) [Japan 2017]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

One For All, a hard-bop jazz sextet formed in 1997, features Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Steve Davis (trombone), David Hazeltine (piano), David Williams (bass), and Joe Farnsworth (drums). The group’s style echoes 1960s Blue Note jazz and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, from whose final album they took their name. Jazz Times’ David Adler calls them “New York’s premier hard-bop supergroup.” The sextet includes six skilled New York musicians, many with extensive experience as bandleaders. Their frontline of Alexander, Davis, and Rotondi is backed by a strong rhythm section of Hazeltine, Williams, and Farnsworth. They perform classic hard-bop standards like “Killer Joe,” “Mating Call,” and “I Remember Clifford” with confidence. To stay fresh, the band incorporates original compositions. Eric Alexander’s “Island” is a mellow ballad with excellent horn interplay. Steve Davis’ “Hot Sake” is a driving track reminiscent of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. One For All is a highly recommended hard-bop ensemble.

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