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Eric Alexander (jazz saxophonist)

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Eric Alexander
Background information
Born (1968-08-04) August 4, 1968 (age 56)
Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, educator
InstrumentSaxophone
Years active1991-present
LabelsDelmark, Milestone, HighNote
Websiteericalexanderjazz.com
Eric Alexander 2008
Eric Alexander (2012 in Denmark)

Eric Alexander (born August 4, 1968)[1] is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator. Having placed second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition behind Joshua Redman and ahead of Chris Potter and Tim Warfield, he was soon signed by a record label and has since recorded over 20 albums as a leader and over 300 as a sideman. [2]

Early life and education

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Alexander was born in Illinois.[3] He began as a classical musician, studying alto saxophone at Indiana University with Eugene Rousseau in 1986. He soon switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, however, and transferred to William Paterson University, where he studied with Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre and others.[4]

Career

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Alexander finished second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.[5] Later that year, he made his recording debut with Charles Earland and released his debut album on Delmark the following year.[6]

Alexander has worked with many jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Idris Muhammad, and guitarist Pat Martino. He is part of Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet with Peter Bernstein, and Joe Farnsworth. He has recorded and toured extensively with the sextet, One for All, and The Battle with Vincent Herring.[7]

Discography

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As leader

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Year recorded Title Label Notes
1992 Straight Up Delmark Quintet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), George Fludas (drums)
1992 New York Calling Criss Cross Quintet, with John Swana (trumpet/fluegelhorn), Richard Wyands (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Kenny Washington (drums)
1993 Up, Over & Out Delmark Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Ore (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1994 Full Range Criss Cross Sextet, with John Swana (trumpet), Kenny Barron (piano), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Peter Washington (bass), Carl Allen (drums)
1995 Eric Alexander in Europe Criss Cross Quartet, with Melvin Rhyne (organ), Bobby Broom (guitar), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1995 Stablemates Delmark Quintet, with Lin Halliday (tenor sax), Jodie Christian (piano), Dan Shapera (bass), Wilbur Campbell (drums)
1996 Two of a Kind Criss Cross Quintet, with Cecil Payne (baritone sax), David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1997 Man with a Horn Milestone Most tracks quartet, with Cedar Walton (piano), Dwayne Burno (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); some tracks sextet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Steve Davis (trombone) added
1997 Alexander the Great HighNote Quintet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Charles Earland (organ), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Joe Farnsworth (drums) [rel. 2000]
1997 Heavy Hitters Pony Canyon Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1997 Mode for Mabes Delmark Sextet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet), Steve Davis (trombone), Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), George Fludas (drums)
1998 Extra Innings Alfa Jazz Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1998 Solid! Milestone Most tracks quartet, with John Hicks (piano), George Mraz (bass), Idris Muhammad (drums); some tracks quintet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet) added; one track quintet, with Joe Locke (vibes) replacing Alexander; one track solo piano by Hicks
1998 A Love Story 32 Jazz Quartet, with Cyrus Chestnut (piano), George Mraz (bass), Lewis Nash (drums); AKA 'The Keystone Quartet'
1999 Live at the Keynote Video Arts Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
1999 The First Milestone Milestone Quintet, with Pat Martino (guitar), Harold Mabern (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2000 The Second Milestone Milestone Most tracks quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Peter Washington (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); three tracks quintet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet) added
2001 Summit Meeting Milestone Most tracks quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); four tracks quintet, with Nicholas Payton (trumpet, fluegelhorn) added
2002 Nightlife in Tokyo Milestone Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Ron Carter (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2004 Gentle Ballads Venus Quartet, with Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums) [note: includes 2 versions of "Harlem Nocturne"]
2004 Dead Center HighNote Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2005 Sunday in New York Venus Quartet, with John Hicks (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2005 It's All in the Game HighNote Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2006 Gentle Ballads II Venus Quartet, with Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2007 Temple of Olympic Zeus HighNote Most tracks quartet, with David Hazeltine (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); some tracks quintet, with Jim Rotondi (trumpet) added
2007 My Favorite Things Venus Quartet, with David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2007 In Concert: Prime Time HighNote Quartet, with David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2007 Gentle Ballads III Venus Quartet, with Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2008 Lazy Afternoon: Gentle Ballads IV Venus Quartet, with Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2009 Revival of the Fittest HighNote Most tracks quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); one track duo, with Mike LeDonne (piano)
2009 Chim Chim Cheree Venus Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2010 Don't Follow the Crowd HighNote Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2011 Gentle Ballads V Venus Quartet, with George Cables (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2012 Touching HighNote Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2013 Blues at Midnight Venus Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2013 Recado Bossa Nova Venus Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), Nat Reeves (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2013 Chicago Fire HighNote Most tracks quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); some tracks quintet, with Jeremy Pelt (trumpet) added
2015 The Real Thing HighNote Most tracks quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums); some tracks quintet, with Pat Martino (guitar) added
2016 Second Impression HighNote Quartet, with Harold Mabern (piano, Fender Rhodes), Bob Cranshaw (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums)
2016 Just One of Those Things Venus Trio, with Dezron Douglas (bass), Neal Smith (drums)
2017 Song of No Regrets HighNote Most tracks quintet, with David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums), Alex Diaz (percussion); some tracks sextet, with Jon Faddis (trumpet) added
2019 Leap of Faith Giant Step Arts Trio, with Doug Weiss (bass), Johnathan Blake (drums)[8]
2019 With Strings HighNote Quartet, with David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums), plus string orchestra (conducted by Dave Rivello)[9]
2023 A New Beginning: Alto Saxophone With Strings HighNote Quartet, with David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums), plus string orchestra (conducted by Bill Dobbins)
2024 Timing Is Everything Cellar Music Group Quartet, with Rick Germanson (piano), Alexander Claffy (bass), Jason Tiemann (drums), plus

guests: Jed Paradies- flute (on "Serenade To A Cuckoo"), Rale Micic- guitar (on "Serenade To A Cuckoo"), Alma Micic- voice (on "Evergreen"), Stan Wetering- tenor sax (on "Big G’s Monk")

2024 Together Cellar Music Group Duo, with Mike LeDonne (piano)

As sideman

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With Steve Davis

  • The Jaunt (Criss Cross, 1995)
  • Dig Deep (Criss Cross, 1996
  • Crossfire (Criss Cross, 1997
  • Say When (Smoke Sessions, 2015)

With Charles Earland

  • Unforgettable (Muse, 1991)
  • I Ain't Jivin'...I'm Jammin' (Muse, 1992)
  • Ready 'n' Able (Muse, 1995)
  • Blowing the Blues Away (HighNote, 1997)
  • Cookin' with the Mighty Burner (HighNote, 1999; recorded 1997)
  • Charles Earland Live (Cannonball, 1999; recorded 1997)
  • Stomp! (HighNote, 2000; recorded 1999)
  • Charles Earland Tribute Band: Keepers Of The Flame (HighNote, 2002) (includes Joey DeFrancesco, Bob DeVos, Pat Martino)

With Joe Farnsworth

  • Beautiful Friendship (Criss Cross, 1998)
  • It's Prime Time (Eighty-Eight's, 2003)
  • Super Prime Time (Eighty-Eight's, 2011)
  • My Heroes (Tribute to the Legends) (Venus, 2014)

With David Hazeltine

  • Blues Quarters, Vol. 1 (Criss Cross, 1998)
  • The Classic Trio Meets Eric Alexander (Sharp Nine, 2001)
  • Manhattan Autumn (Sharp Nine, 2001)
  • Blues Quarters, Vol. 2 (Criss Cross, 2006)
  • The Inspiration Suite (Sharp Nine, 2007)
  • Inversions (Criss Cross, 2010)

With Vincent Herring

With Randy Johnston

  • Jubilation (Muse, 1992 [rel. 1994])
  • In A-Chord (Muse, 1994 [rel. 1995])

With Mike LeDonne

  • Then & Now (Double-Time, 1999) (quintet with Jim Rotondi)
  • Smokin' Out Loud (Savant, 2004)
  • You'll See! (Live at The Cellar) (Cellar Live, 2004)
  • On Fire (Live at Smoke) (Savant, 2006)
  • Five Live (Live at Smoke) (Savant, 2007) (quintet with Jeremy Pelt)
  • The Groover (Savant, 2009)
  • Keep the Faith (Savant, 2011)
  • I Love Music (Savant, 2013)
  • Awwl Right! (Savant, 2015)
  • That Feelin' (Savant, 2016)
  • From the Heart (Savant, 2018)
  • It's All Your Fault (Savant, 2021)
  • The Heavy Hitters (Cellar Music Group, 2023) (sextet with Jeremy Pelt, Vincent Herring)
  • Wonderful! (Savant, 2024)

With Harold Mabern

With Jimmy McGriff

With New York All-Stars

  • Burnin' In London (Ubuntu Music, 2017) (quartet with Harold Mabern)
  • Live Encounter (Ubuntu Music, 2018) (sextet with Seamus Blake, Mike LeDonne)

With One for All (co-leader with Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, David Hazeltine, Joe Farnsworth)

  • Too Soon to Tell (Sharp Nine, 1997)
  • Optimism (Sharp Nine, 1998)
  • Upward and Onward (Criss Cross, 1999)
  • The Long Haul (Criss Cross, 2000)
  • The End of a Love Affair (Venus, 2001)
  • Live at Smoke, Volume 1 (Criss Cross, 2001)
  • Wide Horizons (Criss Cross, 2002)
  • No Problem: Tribute to Art Blakey (Venus, 2003)
  • Blueslike (Criss Cross, 2003)
  • Killer Joe (Venus, 2005)
  • The Lineup (Sharp Nine, 2006)
  • What's Going On (Venus, 2007)
  • Return of the Lineup (Sharp Nine, 2008)
  • Incorrigible (Jazz Legacy Productions, 2009)
  • Invades Vancouver! (Live at The Cellar) (Cellar Live, 2010)
  • The Third Decade (Smoke Sessions, 2016)
  • Big George (Smoke Sessions, 2024) with guest: George Coleman

With Cecil Payne

With Reeds and Deeds (co-leader with Grant Stewart)

  • Wailin' (Criss Cross, 2004)
  • Cookin' (Criss Cross, 2005)
  • Tenor Time (Criss Cross, 2010)

With Irene Reid

  • Million Dollar Secret (Savant, 1997)
  • I Ain't Doing Too Bad (Savant, 1999)
  • The Uptown Lowdown (Savant, 2000)
  • One Monkey Don't Stop No Show (Savant, 2002)

With Jim Rotondi

  • Introducing Jim Rotondi (Criss Cross, 1996)
  • Jim's Bop (Criss Cross, 1997)
  • Excursions (Criss Cross, 1998)
  • Blues for Brother Ray (Posi-Tone, 2009)
  • Live at Smalls (Smalls Live, 2009)
  • Hard Hittin' at the Bird's Eye (Sharp Nine, 2012)

With Larry Willis

With others

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  • The Tenor Triangle: Tell It Like It Is (Criss Cross, 1993) (sextet with Ralph Lalama, Tad Shull, and the Melvin Rhyne Trio)
  • Joe Magnarelli: Why Not (Criss Cross, 1994)
  • The Tenor Triangle: Aztec Blues (Criss Cross, 1994) (sextet with Ralph Lalama, Tad Shull, and the Melvin Rhyne Trio)
  • Rick Stone: Steppin' Back (Jazzand, 1994) (organ quartet with Sam Yahel, Joe Farnsworth)
  • Robert Mazurek: Badlands (Hep, 1995)
  • Melvin Rhyne: Stick to the Kick (Criss Cross, 1995) (quintet includes Ryan Kisor, Peter Bernstein)
  • John Swana: In the Moment (Criss Cross, 1995) (sextet includes Steve Davis, Kenny Barron)
  • Atro "Wade" Mikkola Quartet: On The Way (AMK [Finland], 1995)
  • Peter Bernstein: Brain Dance (Criss Cross, 1996) (quintet includes Steve Davis, Larry Goldings)
  • Robert Mazurek: Green & Blue (Hep, 1996)
  • Mark Elf: A Minor Scramble (Jen Bay, 1996)
  • Michael Weiss: Power Station (DIW, 1997)
  • Dave Specter & Lenny Lynn: Blues Spoken Here (Delmark, 1998)
  • Pat Martino: Stone Blue (Blue Note, 1998)
  • John Swana & Joe Magnarelli: Philly-New York Junction (Criss Cross, 1998)
  • Paul Bollenback: Soul Grooves (Challenge, 1998)
  • Yoron Israel Connection: Live at the Blue Note (Half Note, 1998)
  • Melvin Rhyne: Classmasters (Criss Cross, 1999) (quartet includes Peter Bernstein)
  • Norman Simmons: The Art of Norman Simmons (Savant, 2000) (quintet includes Henry Johnson)
  • Mads Baerentzen Trio Featuring Eric Alexander: 785 Madison Ave. (Music Mecca, 2000)
  • Dmitri Kolesnik: Blues for Dad (Boheme, 2001)
  • Jimmy Scott: But Beautiful (Milestone, 2001)
  • Jimmy Scott: Moon Glow (Milestone, 2001)
  • Ryan Kisor: The Dream (Criss Cross, 2001)
  • Norman Simmons: Synthesis (Savant, 2002) (quintet includes Henry Johnson)
  • Junior Mance Trio & Eric Alexander: Groovin' Blues (M & I, 2002)
  • Joe Magnarelli & John Swana: New York-Philly Junction (Criss Cross, 2003)
  • Jimmy Cobb's Mob: Cobb's Groove (Milestone, 2003) (quintet with Richard Wyands, Peter Bernstein, John Webber)
  • Simone [Kopmajer] (with Romantic Jazz Trio and Eric Alexander): Romance (Venus, 2004)
  • Jim Snidero: Close Up (Milestone, 2004)
  • Freddy Cole: This Love of Mine (HighNote, 2005)
  • Terry Gibbs: Feelin' Good – Live in Studio (Mack Avenue, 2005) (sextet includes Joey DeFrancesco)
  • Bob DeVos: Shifting Sands (Savant, 2005)
  • Bob DeVos: Playing for Keeps (Savant, 2007)
  • Dmitri Kolesnik: Five Corners (Challenge, 2007)
  • John Swana: Bright Moments (Criss Cross, 2007)
  • Dave O'Higgins Quintet Featuring Eric Alexander: Sketchbook (Jazzizit, 2008)
  • Stewy Von Wattenwyl Generations Trio Featuring Eric Alexander: Live at Marians (Bemsha Music, 2008)
  • Meeting Point: Quintessence (Challenge, 2008) (quintet with Jim Rotondi, Andrei Kondakov, Dmitri Kolesnik, Lenny White)
  • Neal Smith Quintet: Live at Smalls (Smalls Live, 2009)
  • Pat Martino Quartet: Undeniable: Live at Blues Alley (HighNote, 2011)
  • Alexis Cole (with One for All): You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To (Venus, 2011)
  • I Carry Your Heart: Alexis Cole Sings Pepper Adams (Motéma, 2012)
  • Dee Daniels: State of the Art (Criss Cross, 2013) (quartet includes Cyrus Chestnut)
  • Dena DeRose: We Won't Forget You...An Homage To Shirley Horn (HighNote, 2014) (with Jeremy Pelt, Gary Smulyan)
  • Federico Bonifazi: You'll See (Steeplechase, 2015)
  • Bernd Reiter Quintet Featuring Eric Alexander: Workout at Bird's Eye (A Tribute to Hank Mobley & Grant Green) (Steeplechase, 2015)
  • The Candy Men: Harry Allen's All Star New York Saxophone Band (Arbors, 2015) (with Grant Stewart, Gary Smulyan)
  • Andrew Dickeson With Eric Alexander: Is That So (Andrew Dickeson Productions, 2017)
  • David Kikoski: Phoenix Rising (HighNote, 2019)
  • Cory Weeds: O Sole Mio! Music From The Motherland (Cellar Music Group, 2019 [rel. 2021])
  • Michael Weiss: Persistence (Cellar Music Group, 2022)
  • Caesar Frazier: Tenacity / As We Speak (Track Merchant, 2022)
  • Paul Brusger: A Soul Contract (SteepleChase, 2023)
  • Bernie Senensky: Moment To Moment (Cellar Music Group, 2023 [rec. 2001 and 2020])
  • Thom Rotella: Side Hustle (HighNote, 2024)

References

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  1. ^ Kennedy, Gary (2002). "Alexander, Eric (Wells)". In Barry Kernfeld (ed.). The new Grove dictionary of jazz, vol. 1 (2nd ed.). New York: Grove's Dictionaries. pp. 26–27. ISBN 1561592846.
  2. ^ Cook, Richard (2005). Richard Cook's Jazz Encyclopedia. London: Penguin Books. p. 7. ISBN 0-141-00646-3.
  3. ^ "Eric Alexander | jazzleadsheets.com by Second Floor Music". jazzleadsheets.com. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  4. ^ Massarik, Jack (April 2008). "Tenor of the Times". Jazzwise. Jazzwise Publication Ltd. p. 10.
  5. ^ "Hancock Institute of Jazz". Hancock Institute of Jazz. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  6. ^ "Eric Alexander | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  7. ^ Collar, Matt (2010). "AllMusic". One for All. Rovi Corporation.
  8. ^ Eric Alexander "Leap of Faith" release
  9. ^ Eric Alexander, With Strings. Review by Alex Henderson, NYCJR, January 2020, Issue 213, page 14 - retrieved 9 January 2020.

Further reading

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