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Eric Alexander: Song of No Regrets
ByRounding out the quartet is bassist John Webber and drummer Joe Farnsworth; both familiar faces. But Song of No Regrets becomes truly interesting when the group expands to a sextet. Dominican- born percussionist Alex Diaz and predominantly high- pitched trumpeter Jon Faddis add an entirely new dynamic. Diaz lays a Latin groove over the entirety of the album, giving it a unique sound without straying too far from what listeners expect from Alexander.
The album opens with the two tracks Faddis received guest billing for; the swinging Hazeltine original, "But Here's the Thing" and an absolutely standout, moody rendition of Stevie Wonder's "These Three Words," in which his trumpet briefly steals the limelight. Alexander's self- written song "Grinder" is just inventive enough to keep your interest as well as the trance-like "Corazon Perdido." Hazeltine plays beautifully over a Latin groove on "Mas Que Nada," an otherwise forgettable track written by Jorge Ben Jor but made famous by Sergio Mendes, before sliding into another Alexander original, "Boom Zoom."
The final leg of the album consists of the title song, which is an effusive interpretation of another Sergio Mendes tune and the second true standout of the session. Lastly are "Cede's Shack" and "Up, Up and Away," both warm and lively but otherwise unmemorable tunes.
At a beat over 55 minutes, Song of No Regrets is a well rounded offering that doesn't run the risk of out-staying its welcome and becoming tedious. However, once Faddis and his trumpet exit, the rest of the album has just a bit less to offer. It's certainly an enjoyable romp, and Alexander is clearly a talented tenor, admirably keeping traditional hard bop interesting in the 21st century. But it stops somewhat short of being must- have jazz, falling into the category of comfortable rather than remarkable.
Track Listing
But Here’s the Thing; These Three Words; Grinder; Mas Que Nada; Boom Zoom; Song of No Regrets; Cede’s Shack; Up, Up and Away.
Personnel
Eric Alexander
saxophone, tenorEric Alexander: tenor saxophone, organ (2); Jon Faddis: trumpet (1, 2); David Hazeltine: piano; John Webber: bass; Joe Farnsworth: drums; Alex Diaz: conga, bongos, auxiliary percussion.
Album information
Title: Song of No Regrets | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: HighNote Records
Comments
About Eric Alexander
Instrument: Saxophone, tenor
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