There are guys more famous these days, but no one has as big a tone as tenor saxist Eric Alexander. He keeps adding to his impressive catalog with this mainstream beaut with the sizzling team of Harold Mabern/key-p, Bob Cranshaw/b and Joe Farnsworth/dr, keeping the torch burning and fresh.
His “Second Impressions” has the same groove as the Coltrane classic, but with a bit more fat on the bones, while he shows how to dig deep in the batter’s box on “Blues For Mo.” Mabern is his modal and swinging self throughout, with a hip solo on “Frenzy” and switches to keyboards for some soulful sounds on “Jennie’s Dance” and “Secret Love.” The team rides the long board on “So Many Stars” with Alexander mixing up pitches like a left handed closer, chewing on the gristle during “T-Bone Steak.” Filling, yet making you ready for the next meal.
High Note Records