Eric Alexander Quartet - Gentle Ballads III (2007) [2014 SACD]

This eagerly awaited Venus release from tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander is the third in the renowned "Gentle Ballads" series. Like the earlier Gentle Ballads and Gentle Ballads II, this album is a collection of beautiful ballads that showcases the brawny and powerful Alexander's gentle and lyrical side.
And what a beautiful performance this is! Alexander's maturity as a musician is clearly reflected in his ballad playing. His big tone, his ability to express small nuances, and his muscular style free of cheap sentimentality combine to create stunning effects, elevating this album's status from merely good to one of a modern masterpiece.
All songs were written or intended as ballads, but Alexander and co. avoids uniformity by playing three songs in the middle section in medium tempo. Few tenor saxohpnists, expecially among his generation, are brave enough to record an all-ballad album. Alexander has done so three times now, and each time, he has given us something to be cherished for years. Highly recommended!

Tracks:

1. Little Girl Blue
2. Don’t Explain
3. All The Way
4. Summertime
5. You’ll Be Mine Tonight
6. They Say It’s Wonderful
7. Killing Me Softly With His Song
8. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes

Personnel:

Eric Alexander, tenor sax
Mike LeDonne, piano
John Webber, bass
Joe Farnsworth, drums