Eric Alexander (jazz saxophonist)

Eric Alexander

Photo by Sheldon Levy
Background information
Born (1968-08-04) August 4, 1968
Origin United States
Genres Jazz
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Saxophone
Labels Milestone Records
Website www.ericalexanderjazz.com
Eric Alexander 2008 (photo by Brian McMillen)

Eric Alexander (born August 4, 1968)[1] is an American jazz saxophonist, known for his sophisticated hard bop and post-bop style.

Alexander began as a classical musician, studying alto saxophone at Indiana University with Eugene Rousseau in 1986. He soon switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, however, and transferred to William Paterson University, where he studied with Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre and others.[2]

Alexander first achieved fame by finishing second (behind Joshua Redman and ahead of Chris Potter) at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. He was quickly signed and began recording albums.

Influenced heavily by John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon and George Coleman, Alexander has worked with many notable jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Joseph Farnsworth, and guitarist Pat Martino. He has also recorded and toured extensively with the sextet One for All.[3]

Gallery

Photos: Hreinn Gudlaugsson

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With One For All (co-leader with Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, David Hazeltine)

With Jim Rotondi

With Steve Davis

With David Hazeltine

With Reeds And Deeds (co-leader with Grant Stewart)

With Vincent Herring

With Mike LeDonne

With Charles Earland (AKA "The Mighty Burner")

With Irene Reid

With others...

References

  1. Kennedy, Gary (2002). "Alexander, Eric (Wells)". In Barry Kernfeld. The new Grove dictionary of jazz, vol. 1 (2nd ed.). New York: Grove's Dictionaries Inc. pp. 26–27. ISBN 1561592846.
  2. Massarik, Jack (April 2008). "Tenor of the Times". Jazzwise (Jazzwise Publication Ltd). p. 10.
  3. Collar, Matt (2010). "AllMusic". One for All. Rovi Corporation.

External links

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