Episode 44: Eric Alexander: Composer, Educator and Jazz Saxophone Master

Episode 44 Executive Summary

Eric Alexander (born August 4, 1968) is widely recognized as one of the most technically advanced and articulate tenor saxophonists of his generation. A torchbearer for the hard bop tradition, Alexander began his musical journey as a classical alto saxophonist studying under Eugene Rousseau at Indiana University. He later switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, transferring to William Paterson University where he studied under legends such as Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, and his future mentor, pianist Harold Mabern.

Alexander gained international attention in 1991 when he placed second in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, finishing just behind Joshua Redman. He made his recording debut that same year with Charles Earland and released his first album as a leader, Straight Up, in 1992. Since then, he has led a prolific career, releasing over 20 albums as a leader and appearing on over 300 recordings as a sideman. He is a founding member of the acclaimed jazz sextet One for All and a key member of Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet.

His playing is characterized by a commitment to the "Chicago School" of tenor saxophone, emphasizing a big sound and blues-drenched authority. In recent years, he has continued to expand his discography with notable releases such as Chicago to New York (2024) and unique projects like Leap of Faith (2019), a trio recording without a chordal instrument.

Keywords: Eric Alexander, Tenor Saxophone, Hard Bop, One for All, Thelonious Monk Competition, Harold Mabern, Mike LeDonne, Groover Quartet, HighNote Records, Criss Cross Jazz, Jazz Education, Chicago Style

Eric Alexander (1968–Present)
├── Overview
│   ├── Roles: Tenor Saxophonist, Composer, Bandleader, Educator
│   ├── Born: August 4, 1968 (Illinois, U.S.)
│   ├── Style: Hard Bop, Post-Bop, Straight-Ahead Jazz
│   └── Key Labels: HighNote, Criss Cross Jazz, Milestone, Cellar Music Group
│
├── Education & Early Life
│   ├── Indiana University (1986):
│   │   ├── Focus: Classical Alto Saxophone
│   │   └── Teacher: Eugene Rousseau
│   └── William Paterson University:
│       ├── Focus: Jazz Tenor Saxophone
│       └── Teachers: Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons
│
├── Career Highlights
│   ├── Competitions:
│   │   └── 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition (2nd Place)
│   ├── Key Ensembles:
│   │   ├── One for All (Co-leader w/ Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis)
│   │   ├── Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet
│   │   └── The Battle (w/ Vincent Herring)
│   └── Recording Statistics:
│       ├── 20+ Albums as Leader
│       └── 300+ Albums as Sideman
│
├── Selected Discography (As Leader)
│   ├── The Early Years:
│   │   ├── Straight Up (1992 - Delmark Debut)
│   │   ├── New York Calling (1992 - Criss Cross)
│   │   └── Man with a Horn (1997 - Milestone)
│   ├── The HighNote & Venus Era:
│   │   ├── Dead Center (2004)
│   │   ├── Gentle Ballads (2004)
│   │   ├── Chicago Fire (2014)
│   │   └── The Real Thing (2015)
│   └── Recent Releases:
│       ├── Leap of Faith (2019 - Trio w/ Doug Weiss, Johnathan Blake)
│       ├── Chicago to New York (2024)
│       └── Like Sugar (2024)
│
└── Selected Discography (As Sideman/Co-Leader)
    ├── With One for All:
    │   ├── Optimism (1998)
    │   ├── The Lineup (2006)
    │   └── Big George (2024 - feat. George Coleman)
    ├── With Mike LeDonne:
    │   ├── Smokin' Out Loud (2004)
    │   └── The Groover (2009)
    └── With Charles Earland:
        ├── Unforgettable (1991 - Recording Debut)
        └── Blowing the Blues Away (1997)