Tag: Eric Alexander Quartet

Title: Eric Alexander Quartet – Sunday In New York (2005) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Since finishing second to Joshua Redman in the Thelonious Monk Institute’s tenor sax competition, Eric Alexander has built an impressive discography as a leader, while also drawing a lot of attention in both the U.S. and Japan. This Venus release, recorded in 2005 and one of the last sessions by pianist John Hicks (who died just over a year later), primarily focuses on standards, with the exception of Hicks’ tense hard bop vehicle ‘Avotcja.’ A loping treatment of ‘Sunday in New York’ is a solid opener, conveying the image of a brisk walk in Central Park on a cool autumn day.

Alexander’s driving arrangement of ‘Dearly Beloved’ and the lush, slowly savored duet with Hicks of ‘Like Someone in Love’ are obvious highlights. He also revives the unjustly obscure ‘My Girl Is Just Enough Woman for Me’ in swinging fashion. The hard-charging setting of ‘Alone Together’ shows the influence of Dexter Gordon, while the gorgeous interpretation of ‘My Romance’ is the perfect wrap to an outstanding date. Bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth, two of New York City’s most in-demand players and regular collaborators with Alexander, provide strong support throughout the recording.

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Title: Eric Alexander Quartet – Recado Bossa Nova (2014) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

The big star on the Japanese Venus Records’ roster and one of the top tenor saxophonists of his generation, Eric Alexander’s latest release is a Latin jazz album. Leading his regular quartet consisting of the powerful Harold Mabern on piano, Nat Reeves on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums, Alexander blows his powerful horn on the bossa nova and Cuban rhythms.

Eric Alexander has appeared on record as a leader, sideman, producer, and composer. By now, he has lost count of how many albums feature his playing; he guesses 60 or 70. He has earned praise from critics and, even more important, established his own voice within the bebop tradition. Influenced heavily by John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon and George Coleman, Alexander has worked with many notable jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Joseph Farnsworth, and guitarist Pat Martino. He has also recorded and toured extensively with the sextet One for All.

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Title: Eric Alexander Quartet – My Favorite Things (2007) [Japan 2015]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

This release from Eric Alexander is a notable one. Venus Records asked the readers of Swing Journal what they would like to hear Alexander play. From that long list of requested songs, Alexander selected the tunes included on My Favorite Things. Many of the selections are well-known jazz tracks heavily associated with tenor saxophone giants of the past. Some of them include “Sugar” by Stanley Turrentine, “Airegin” by Sonny Rollins, and “My Favorite Things” and “Lazy Bird” made famous by John Coltrane. Alexander confronts this challenging task with the confidence of an expert musician. He makes every performance his own with his strong, warm tone and unique phrasings — all while paying respect to the great tenor saxophonists. The quartet flew to Tokyo and recorded the entire album in just one day. Once again, Alexander proves that he is one of the greatest tenor saxophonists today. This album is another excellent offering to the music world.

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.

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Title: Eric Alexander Quartet – Gentle Ballads VI (2022)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO

Sixth installment from the Gentle Ballads series! 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!

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Title: Eric Alexander Quartet – Gentle Ballads V (2011)
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The fifth installment of tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander’s “Gentle Ballads” series doesn’t disappoint. His unwavering, strong tone and unsentimental approach, combined with a certain peacefulness and strong spirituality of his playing, produce stunning results. For the first time in this series, master pianist George Cables joins the band and makes valuable contributions.

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