AN OPEN LETTER TO ERIC ALEXANDER
Dear Mr. Alexander,
I realize that you aren’t the leader on this fine disc, and B3er Mike LeDonne definitely deserves credit for not only some fine solos, but selecting tasty tunes like “Put On A Happy Face,” The World Is A Ghetto” and of course letting India Ink flow through his veins on pieces like “Blues For Gene” and “Blues For Ball.” He’s not a flash, but he wins you over with knowing when to hit, hold and let go of the keys. Peter Bernstein on guitar is a gem as well, with finger licking good picking on “I Love Every Little Thing About You” and the title track.
But still, Mr. Alexander…can I call you “Eric”? The fact is, your tenor is the kind that made me fall in love with jazz: big, fat, juicy and it sounds like it could fill a room. And that’s the problem. I’ve only heard you on records-DO YOU EVER COME TO LOS ANGELES?!?!? I think you came about 10 years ago to the Bakery, but I was out of town. WHAT DO YOU SOUND LIKE IN CONCERT? Why are you staying away from the Best Coast? I want to hear you in person!
Don’t worry about bringing a band; we’ve got tons of great locals like Joe LaBarbera for drumming, Bill Cunliffe or Eric Reed for piano and a million out of work bassists. You can even stay at our house-my wife is a great cook, and you can borrow one of our cars to get to the clubs. In other words-YOU HAVE NO EXCUSES! Please stop teasing us with these great recordings you are on, and let us make sure you aren’t a hologram of Sonny Rollins.
Sincerely,
George Harris
Savant Records