Review by Ken Dryden
In addition to being one of the top tenor saxophonists of his
generation, Eric Alexander has developed quite a following in Japan, as
evidenced by his series of recordings for the Venus label. These 2004
sessions with pianist Mike LeDonne, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe
Farnsworth are much in the mold of John Coltrane's Ballads album of the
early '60s. His rich, big-toned tenor is rhapsodic as he explores a
number of timeless ballads, though more than a few have pretty much
fallen out of favor among jazz musicians in the 21st century.
Particularly welcome are his explorations of two gems by the late jazz
pianist Mal Waldron, while the leader's "Gently" fits in perfectly with
the more established pieces. Earle Hagen's "Harlem Nocturne" is played
in two separate versions, the first being a bit laid-back, the latter at
a brisk tempo with LeDonne adding an enticing vamp. The bluesy
treatment of "Stormy Weather" is strangely credited to Duke Ellington,
while Alexander's shimmering take of Billy Strayhorn's gorgeous "Chelsea
Bridge" is an obvious highlight.
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Traducción Automática:
Revisión por Ken Dryden
Además de ser uno de los saxofonistas más importantes de su generación,
Eric Alexander ha desarrollado muchos seguidores en Japón, como lo
demuestra su serie de grabaciones para el sello Venus. Estas sesiones de
2004 con el pianista Mike LeDonne, el bajista John Webber y el
baterista Joe Farnsworth están en el molde del álbum Ballads de John
Coltrane de principios de los sesenta. Su tenor rico y de gran tono es
rapsódico, ya que explora una serie de baladas atemporales, aunque más
de unos pocos han perdido el favor entre los músicos de jazz en el siglo
XXI. Particularmente bienvenidas son sus exploraciones de dos gemas del
difunto pianista de jazz Mal Waldron, mientras que el líder
"Gentilmente" encaja perfectamente con las piezas más establecidas. El
"Harlem Nocturne" de Earle Hagen se juega en dos versiones separadas, la
primera es un poco relajada, la última a un ritmo rápido con LeDonne
agregando un vampiro seductor. El tratamiento de blues del "Clima
tempestuoso" se atribuye de manera extraña a Duke Ellington, mientras
que la brillante toma de Alexander del hermoso "Puente de Chelsea" de
Billy Strayhorn es un destaque evidente.
02. Left Alone (Waldron)
03. Gently (Alexander)
04. Here's to Life (Butler, Molinary)
05. The Midnight Sun (Burke, Hampton)
06. Harlem Nocturne (Hagen)
07. Soul Eyes (Waldron)
08. Under a Blanket of Blue (Livingston, Neiburg, Symes)
09. Stormy Weather (Arlen, Koehler)
10. Chelsea Bridge (Strayhorn)
11. Harlem Nocturne [alternate take] (Hagen)
Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone);
Mike LeDonne (piano);
John Webber (bass instrument);
Joe Farnsworth (drums).
Release Date: May 30, 2005
Duration: 01:09:12
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Post-Bop, Straight-Ahead Jazz, Jazz Instrument, Saxophone Jazz
Recording Date: March 1, 2004 - March 2, 2004
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Thanks for these Eric Gentle Ballads, not so easy to find...much appreciated!!!
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