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MARIETTA, OH, USA - Eric Alexander has quickly become one of the masters of the jazz and his easily recognizable sound on the tenor sax should continue to attract new fans as his fame spreads. His latest album should take Alexander another couple of rungs up the ladder.
Bob Powers "Summit Meeting"(Milestone Records) pairs Alexander with his long-time rhythm section, which includes Harold Maborn at the piano, John Webber on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. On four tracks, Alexander is paired with Nicholas Payton on trumpet and flugelhorn and it's a tasty combo.
Alexander is one of those musicians who seemingly plays without ruffling his horn; the music pours out in intricate stanzas, while the tone seems carefree and solidly on key. The choice of tunes this time around mixes originals with some old faves. "The Sweetest Sounds" is just that, a familiar show tune done with flair. "A House Is Not a Home" takes a wise old chorus and makes it shine. The originals include "Summit Meeting" and "Andre's Turn," both performed with skill and a mellow mood.
Eric Alexander improves with every album. Now 33, he seems destined to make new strides with every recording. I hope I'm there for every exploration.
From TV to Records
Michelle Green is a pretty actress who enjoyed a long run as Abby Perkins in the TV series "L.A. Law." After some time appearing in movies made for television, she now shows up as a singer with a new album, "Ojo De Tiburon"(Eye of the Shark), just released by Appleseed Recordings.In paying homage to her Latin heritage, Green shows a modest but pleasant enough voice. She's comfortable with the program of songs, although there's sameness to the program that may drive away those not comfortable with lyrics performed in Spanish. The hybrid of sounds doesn't always click, but Green seems at ease and her voice and probably will find favor with many advocates of this brand of music.
'Cool Me Down,' Jenai
The cover photo of Jenai's new album, "Cool Me Down" (Curb Records) will cause some flurry of perspiration to strike the males who come across this material in the CD bins of their favorite record stores.
Jenai (that's all the name she goes by) has the sultry look of a Sheryl Crow, and the CD sleeve unfolds into a mini-poster, showing her charms demurely but nicely. Some may wonder if the music contained within will be a letdown, but don't fear. The lass has all it takes for pop music success, with ease. While the album is being promoted for country audiences, I got the impression that this perky young lady from Idaho could keep the feet patting among the pop and blues fans as well.
The dozen songs serve to showcase all aspects of Jenai's voice and she sounds at home both with the more country material and with the more pop-oriented songs in the dozen tracks. The majority of albums I receive for review go onto the shelves after being played two or three times. That's not going to be the case with "Cool Me Down," an impressive slice of pretty lady and toe-tapping tunes.
Organ Power by Two Masters
It's sad that two of the masters of jazz organ no longer are among our midst. But fans of Brother Jack McDuff and Charles Earland will be able to find solace in two reissues from the Fantasy folks out in San Francisco.McDuff died a year ago, ending a long career for one of the true innovators of the Hammond B-3 organ. You can get an idea of McDuff's brilliance in "Jack McDuff: The Concert McDuff" (Prestige Records). Culled from four Prestige albums, this CD gives a good idea of how great this musician could be.
He's helped along by the underrated Red Holloway on tenor sax, George Benson (yes, that George Benson) on guitar, and Joe Dukes on drums. The highlights include "Undecided," a smashing "Love Walked In," and Buddy Johnson's fabulous ballad, "Save Your Love for Me."
Different is McDuff's one-finger version of Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun," performed on piano. It might give you goose bumps, as it did me. Also special are "The Girl from Ipanema" and Woody Herman's "Four Brothers."
"Charles Earland in Concert" (Prestige Records) contains a less impressive lineup of songs. Earland's work on the Hammond B-3 avoids much of the razzmatazz that became one of McDuff's signatures. The liner notes for this album point out that Earland seems to play better in front of a live audience, so this material will be of special interest to those who know Earland's work. One of the originals is the two-part "Suite for Martin Luther King." I found "We've Only Just Begun" done with taste and lots of feeling.
More Next Time
The CDs are piled high around the computer and my stereo equipment stays hot. Please come back next time for more jazz, blues, country, pop, and what have you. You won't be sorry.
Bob Powers always is interested in hearing from record distributors who deal in jazz, rock, folk, and anything that's good. For instructions on getting your album reviewed, contact him at rpow123@charter.net.
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