ERIC ALEXANDER QUARTET: GENTLE BALLADS VI

 
Performer: Eric Alexander tenor and alto sax; John DiMartino, piano; Dezron Douglas, double bass; Willie Jones III, drums
Author: Eric Alexander Quartet
Number of discs: 1
Label: Venus
Support: LPs
Genre: Jazz
Year: 2023

180 gram LP pressed in Japan
Mixing and remastering done by Tetsuo Hara
Venus Hyper Magnum Sound Direct Mix Stereo
Obi strip

In the sixth volume of Eric Alexander's successful "Gentle Ballads" series published by Venus Records, the American tenor saxophonist performs a series of enchanting ballads from the great American tradition. As had already happened in the previous three volumes, this disc offers a beautiful anthology of ballads, which bring out the vigorous and robust side of Alexander's delicate lyrical inspiration.

Overall, this is a truly splendid performance. From the performance of these ballads it is possible to fully appreciate Alexander's great artistic maturity. More specifically, the vigorous timbre of his tenor sax, his innate ability to emphasize even the smallest nuances and his muscular approach completely free from any empty softness blend harmoniously, creating truly surprising effects and elevating the record from album of a good level, a real masterpiece of modern jazz.

Today, few tenor saxophonists, especially those of Alexander's generation, are brave enough to make a record that revolves entirely around ballads. Alexander accomplished this feat no less than six times, each time offering the public a collector's album. Warmly recommended.

Eric Alexander, saxophone; John DiMartino, piano; Dezron Douglas, double bass; Willie Jones III, drums


So in Love
Say It
Let the Silence Speak
Moon and Sand
You???re My Thrill
Hush-A-Bye
Estate
I See Your Face Before Me
Bright Moments
What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life