(Jazzugel): Eric Alexander - It's All In The Game (2006)

Eric Alexander - It's All In The Game (2006)

Audio CD, Stereo, MP3 (Blade), 256 kbps (CBR), 5% Recovery Record Included

Información del disco:
Sello: Highnote Records, Inc.
Grbado: el 29/07/2005 en The Van Gelder Studios, New Jersey.
Publicado: 14/03/2006

Biografía:
A fine hard bop player who grows a bit in individuality each year, Eric Alexander grew up in the state of Washington. He initially attended Indiana University, studying classical music as an altoist. However, Alexander soon discovered jazz, switched to the tenor, and transferred to William Paterson College in New Jersey. After graduating, he moved to Chicago and soon 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. In 1992, he relocated to New York and that year made his recording debut as a leader with a set for Criss Cross. Alexander was set to join Art Taylor's Wailers in 1995 when the drummer passed away. Influenced by Dexter Gordon and George Coleman, but gradually developing a more original sound, Alexander has also worked with Mel Rhyne, Cecil Payne, Kenny Barron, and Eddie Henderson, among others. Alexander recorded two additional sets as a leader for Criss Cross, was part of their Tenor Triangle session, and cut several heated CDs for Delmark, including one that he co-leads with veteran tenor Lin Halliday. His 11th album, Man With a Horn, was licensed for U.S. release in 1999 by Milestone, which also issued the follow-up, The First Milestone, in 2000. Since that time, Alexander has kept busy releasing a steady slew of albums including Summit Meeting in 2002, Dead Center in 2004, Temple of Olympic Zeus in 2007 and Prime Time: In Concert in 2008 among others.

Comentario:
Over the dozen years since his debut recording as a leader, Eric Alexander has developed into one of the most important tenor saxophonists of his generation. Joined once again by one of his favorite pianists, Harold Mabern, along with bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Joe Farnsworth, Alexander kicks off this studio affair with a gritty hard bop treatment of "Where or When." "It's All in the Game" dates from the early part of the 20th century (written by future Vice President Charles Dawes), yet this is hardly a dated melody, as Alexander gives his best with a lush ballad treatment, while Mabern (who suggested the tune) incorporates subtle hints of gospel into his provocative solo. Thelonious Monk's "Ruby, My Dear" is revamped with a delightful brisk setting, while a Latin-flavored arrangement of the R&B hit "Where Is the Love" also transforms it into something new. Alexander's originals are equally enjoyable. "Typhoon 11" mixes a samba flavor with post-bop, with Mabern sounding at times like McCoy Tyner, while the tense blues "Open and Shut" would have been a perfect contribution to the repertoire of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Eric Alexander is a clear winner with It's All in the Game.

Músicos:
Eric Alexander: saxo tenor
Harold Mabern: piano
Nat Reeves: bajo eléctrico
Joe Farnsworth: batería

Lista de Temas:
1. where or when [Hart, Rodgers] (7:05)
2. typhoon 11 [Alexander] (6:51)
3. where is the love [McDonald, Salter] (6:30)
4. it's all in the game [Dawes, Sigman] (5:51)
5. open and shut [Alexander] (8:27)
6. ruby my dear [Monk] (7:54)
7. little lucas [Alexander] (5:20)
8. bye bye baby [Robin, Styne] (5:30)