by Ken Dryden
Eric Alexander is in top form throughout this 2007 quartet session with some of his favorite band mates, 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.