Bob Powers
 |
Goodness gracious! Eric Alexander takes that tenor saxophone and makes magic. As smooth as a large serving of hot chocolate and surrounded by some more than able sidemen, the delightful Alexander provides one delight after another in his second album for the Milestone label, entitled appropriately "The Second Milestone."
Actually this disc is the 14th time in which he has headlined in the recording studio. Alexander has never made my list of the greatest tenor players of his generation (he's 32), but this time out he delivers an album that will garner frequent airings on any jazz fan's stereo equipment.
With superb backing, particularly by pianist Harold Mabern (God, he's simply wonderful!) Alexander offers a delicious array of eight tunes, both standards and originals. The album opens with a pleasing version of the "Fiddler on the Roof" classic, "Matchmaker, Matchmaker." While a great old song, it's not one that you'd automatically classify as a jazz prospect. But Alexander's big smooth sound, plus a fine arrangement, starts the album off smoothly.
There's an hour of music contained in this release and you'll understand why Alexander has respect within the music industry. He tries hard, but makes it sound easy. What a great aptitude he has. And that mellow sound he achieves on ballads will cause a chill or two to ripple down some spines. If not yours, then you must not be reachable by the good stuff.
Harold Mabern has been playing the piano on records for a long time, but he's never achieved the recognition he so completely deserves. For instance, on the opening track, Mabern starts things off in an authoritative yet tender mood. Mabern's light touch gives the listeners a soothing slap, and he becomes just about the perfect partner with Alexander's throaty and exciting tenor sax. I'm ready for a Mabern album and after listing "The Second Milestone," so will you.
Alexander spent the summer in Europe with guitarist Pat Martino and organ master Joey DeFrancisco. What nice nights those must have been.
Patriotic We Are
Pride in country and a renewed sense of unity are two factors that have emerged from the tragedy of Sept. 11. The nation's sports stadiums have echoed with songs that have lauded our country and its heroes.
Capitol Records has just released a fine album of standards that should find favor in many CD collections. The album's profits go to the American Red Cross. "United We Stand" includes the old warhorses as well as several songs that are less familiar. It's an album that earns the right to be called a necessity.
Matters open with "Imagine," the magical song by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band. That one never fails to create chills dancing up and down my spine. Next is the fine anthem, "God Bless the USA," sung by the fine country star, Lee Greenwood.
Other songs include "4th of July" by the Beach Boys, "United We Stand" by the Brotherhood of Man," and "Lean on Me" by the Persuasions. George Thorogood and The Destroyers perform a lightning live version of "Let's Work Together." It's a smash. But the good feelings created by Thorogood are boosted even more by an electrifying version by Joe Cocker of his old hit, "With a Little Help from My Friends." That's a dandy, for sure.
The O'Jays sound great doing "I Love America," and Al Green will create tears in many for his dynamic rendition of "Amazing Grace." With 14 tracks, "United We Stand" provides both patriotism and bountiful entertainment.
Harvey, You're Great!
The audience for folk music will always be there as long as great musicians are performing. One of my personal favorites since coming across his music several years ago is Maine resident Harvey Reid.
Reid's not a newcomer, though. According to the press release that accompanies his new album, "The Great Sad River" (Woodpecker Records), Reid has been earning his daily bread as a musician and composer for the past 27 years. Now he's joined forces with a wondrous lady named Joyce Andersen, who shares star credit on the new disc. She's a fine singer, a terrific fiddle player and a delightful singing with Reid.
The album is the best one Reid's ever done. I have kept it spinning on my office stereo equipment for the past couple of weeks and the material doesn't lose effectiveness with repetition. Reid has written a half dozen new originals. There also are two instrumentals and Andersen wrote a song called "Stand Clear."
Elements of bluegrass, rock and folk wind in and out of the album that has been recorded in superb 24-bit digital sound.
If your favorite record store doesn't carry the album, go to www.woodpecker.com or order through e-mail at orders@woodpecker.com. It's $16.95 plus $2 for shipping and handling.
If you care at all about folk music, Harvey Reid and Joyce Anderson are going to make you smile.
