For more than two decades, Eric Alexander has been the go-to saxophonist for finely crafted modern-mainstream jazz. Based in New York, he has released more than 30 albums as a leader, and many more as a sideman – recent releases include sessions with organist Charles Earland, guitarist Pat Martino and the pianist on this date, Harold Mabern. And with only occasional deviations from established idiomatic practices, he consistently nails the style better than most. This sprightly, no-nonsense album, titled as a homage to Alexander's early-1990s jazz apprenticeship in Chicago, spices the saxophonist's balance of warmth and drive with a healthy dose of the blues. ‘Eddie Harris’ is an in-style, gospel-soul dedication to the late Chicago saxophonist and ‘Blueski for Vonski’ opens with a voiceover of two ‘cats’ reminiscing about the blues in mid-1950s Chicago. Elsewhere, the set features label regulars John Webber and Joe Farnsworth on bass and drums delivering precisely stoked in-the-pocket grooves, and Harold Mabern expertly balancing harmonic and rhythmic functions. Jeremy Pelt's three guest spots include the bop-and-riff bustle of ‘The Bee Hive’ and the album's highlight, ‘Save Your Love for Me’, played at a medium cruise-control lope.