Eric Alexander: Song Of No Regrets

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Jon Faddis (t)
Alex Dias (perc)
Lucas Alexander (perc)
Joe Farnsworth (d)
Eric Alexander (ts)
Joshua Bruness (t, perc)
Esther Lomas Sempredro (perc)
David Hazeltine (p)
John Webber (b)

Label:

HighNote

April/2018

Catalogue Number:

HCD 7311

RecordDate:

12 June 2017

How nice to hear Eric Alexander out of his comfort zone. Even if only for a couple of tracks! Driven throughout the recording by Alex Dias' solid percussion, the opening title, a really strong tune by David Hazeltine, Eric's former associate from the One For All band days, has Faddis' trumpet added to the usual Alexander four-piece, playing very high up. Eric's solo is excellent. Track two is an unhackneyed Stevie Wonder song, ‘These Three Words’. Faddis' theme statement is strong, especially when Eric shadows him. Again, excellent solos and the only appearance by the extra musicians whose presence takes the record in a different direction. A shame they couldn't afford to use them on more tracks. There are a couple of Alexander ballads, followed by the latin standard ‘Mas Que Nada’ (more terrific solos) and a Lucas Alexander original, which brings out Eric's best booting style and also features a most fitting Farnsworth solo. Brilliantly backed by Hazeltine, Alexander's outstanding work on the title-track is arguably his finest contribution to this CD. Striking as his work is with regular mentor, veteran pianist Harold Mabern, it's nice to hear him with Hazeltine again, who is also such an accomplished arranger, as well as a warm soulful soloist. So, a thoroughly enjoyable album. When Eric first appeared on the scene, with his playing and image, one wondered if he'd take on Stan Getz' role. Respect grows from musicians and fans, but not from the general public. Maybe if he'd made an album of bossa novas?!

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