Artist.......: Eric Alexander And Vincent Herring
Album........: The Battle Live At Smoke
Label........: High Note
Genre........: Jazz
Catnr........: HCD 7137
source.......: CDDA
rip.date.....: May-23-2006
str.date.....: Sept-20-2005
quality......: VBR/44,1Hz/Joint-Stereo
Url..........: n/a
track title time
01. Blues Up and Down 12:50
02. Road Song 10:48
03. Firm Roots 09:37
04. Ritual Dance 08:09
05. Shirley's Son 11:07
06. Eleven Years 08:02
Runtime 60:33 min
Size 87,7 MB
Release Notes:
A fine hard bop player who grows a bit in
individuality each year, Eric Alexander grew up in
the state of Washington. He initially attended
Indiana University, studying classical music as an
altoist. However, Alexander soon discovered jazz,
switched to the tenor, and transferred to William
Paterson College in New Jersey. After graduating,
he moved to Chicago and soon gained important
experience touring with Charles Earland while also
becoming a fixture in local clubs. In 1991,
Alexander placed second at the Thelonious Monk
Institute's saxophone competition, finishing just
behind Joshua Redman. In 1992, he relocated to New
York and that year made his recording debut as a
leader with a set for Criss Cross. Alexander was
set to join Art Taylor's Wailers in 1995 when the
drummer passed away. Influenced by Dexter Gordon
and George Coleman, but gradually developing a more
original sound, Alexander has also worked with Mel
Rhyne, Cecil Payne, Kenny Barron, and Eddie
Henderson, among others. Alexander recorded two
additional sets as a leader for Criss Cross, was
part of their Tenor Triangle session, and cut
several heated CDs for Delmark, including one that
he co-leads with veteran tenor Lin Halliday. His
11th album, Man With a Horn, was licensed for U.S.
release in 1999 by Milestone, which also issued the
follow-up, The First Milestone, in 2000.
It was only fitting that Vincent Herring gained his
first important recognition playing with Nat
Adderley, for his sound is strongly influenced by
his idol, Cannonball Adderley. Born in Kentucky and
raised in California, Herring moved to New York in
1983, and played with a variety of major musicians
(including Lionel Hampton, David Murray, Horace
Silver, and Art Blakey) before joining Adderley
(1987-1993). Vincent Herring, who has recorded for
Landmark and Music Masters, has led his own group
since the early '90s.