Details
Track Listing
1. Stand Pat
2. #34 Was Sweetness - (for Walter Payton)
3. First Milestone, The
4. Towering Inferno, The
5. Night Song
6. Last Night When We Were Young
7. Phineas Trane, The
8. I'm Glad There Is You
Album Notes
Personnel: Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Harold Mabern (piano); Pat Martino (guitar); Peter Washington (bass); Joe Farnsworth (drums).
Recorded at Clinton Recording Studios, New York, New York on November 3 & 4, 1999. Includes liner notes by Larry Hollis.
Tenor man Eric Alexander continues his long run as a developing superstar with THE FIRST MILESTONE. His prowess as an improviser and session leader becomes more evident with each new release in his steadily growing catalog. Alexander leads a stellar quartet here, with his longtime mentor Harold Mabern and frequent bandmates Peter Washington and Joe Farnsworth turning in exceptional performances as always. What's particularly intriguing about this date, however, is the inclusion of guitar legend Pat Martino, who previously employed the saxophonist in his Joyous Lake band.
Though Martino has many more years of experience on his side, he and Alexander make for remarkable teammates. For his part, Alexander rises to the occasion, matching wits with the legendary guitarist-a player unlike any he has encountered on other outings. Standout cuts include the opening "Standing Pat," Alexander's raucous, swinging tribute to his prestigious guest, the gentle "#34 Was Sweetness" (dedicated to late football star Walter Payton), and a grooving interpretation of the theme from "The Towering Inferno."
Industry Reviews
...An indelible date that should put the nonpareil Alexander at the top of the marquee...
JazzTimes (11/01/2000)
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