Eric Alexander Quartet - Lazy Afternoon: Gentle Ballads IV (2008) [2014 SACD]

Lazy Afternoon: Gentle Ballads IV is the fourth in the renowned "Gentle Ballads" series. Like the earlier Gentle Ballads, Gentle Ballads II and Gentle Ballads III, this album is a collection of beautiful ballads that showcases the brawny and powerful Alexander's gentle and lyrical side.
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.
Alexander and co. avoids uniformity by playing aggressively in some of their solos. The song selections are also more varied than in the past and includes lesser known gems like "Feelin' Good," "Slow Hot Wind" as well as jazz musicians' originals such as Cedar Walton's "When Love Was New" and Johnny Griffin's "When We Were One." Highly recommended!

Tracks:

1. Feelin' Good
2. Lazy Afternoon
3. When Love Was New
4. Slow Hot Wind
5. My Funny Valentine
6. Goodbye
7. When We Were One
8. The Good Life
9. Angel Eyes
10. Blue Gardenia

Personnel:

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