Eric Alexander - Gentle Ballads - Single-Layer Stereo SACD

Japanese import SACD.

One of the most talented tenor saxophonists today, Eric Alexander has made quite a few recordings for the Japanese label Venus Records, but this 2004 date, a collection of ballads in a one-horn quartet format, is undoubtedly one of his definitive albums.

His warm and muscular tone captivates the listener from the first note of the opening number "Midnight Sun Will Never Set." His tender original "Gently" has such a lovely melody you could mistake it for one of the established standards.

While all songs are considered as "ballads," the program is sufficiently varied in rhythm, tempo and tone so that one does not need to worry about monotony. Alexander's burnished tenor sound is very well recorded and gives you a perspective of a first-row table in an intimate jazz club setting.

"His rich, big-toned tenor is rhapsodic as he explores a number of timeless ballads..." -Ken Dryden, allmusic.com