ERIC ALEXANDER & VINCENT HERRING

SPLIT DECISION

Smoke Sessions Records

Eric Alexander, tenor saxophone; Vincent Herring, alto saxophone; Mike Ledonne, piano; John Webber, bass; Lewis Nash, drums.

In 2005, Eric Alexander and Vincent Herring went head-to-head in musical combat on stage and recorded an album called, “The Battle: Live at Smoke.”  This ferocious swing production was taped.  Well, it has repeated once again. This time, their latest release happened ‘live’ in New York, at the popular SMOKE Jazz Club, appropriately titled, “Split Decision.”

With an all-star band, these two saxophone titans personify the jazz tradition of on-stage horn duels. They open with Steve Turre’s tune, “Pharoah’s Dance” and the excitement and musicianship is electric! Mike Ledonne offers a power-punch with his piano solo and towards the end of the arrangement, Lewis Nash shows his always dynamic drum skills.

“When you get to the level that Vincent and the musicians we’re playing with are at, assessing their worth compared to one another is absolutely subjective.  When I play next to Vincent, I know I have to mind my Ps and Qs, because if you start misfiring, you’re going to get overrun.  For some musicians, that’s very intimidating.  Personally, I just try to keep the bar high and when you play with somebody like Vincent, the bar is way up there,” Eric Alexander explains.

Both men think of SMOKE Jazz Club as a second home, so why not record another ‘live’ album there.  Their comfort level is obvious.  Each woodwind player stretches out to their maximum degree, acting like individual rubber bands, exuding tension but still soloing beautifully, soulfully!

The next tune slows the tempo but still holds the ‘swing’ tightly in place. This time they play the Horace Silver composition “Strollin’.”  On this recording, you will discover the intense chemistry between Herring’s alto with Alexander’s tenor saxophone.  Horace Silver was Herring’s former employer.

They have released another album cut ‘live’ at the SMOKE Jazz Club called “Friendly Fire.” That was back in 2013.  These two musicians have a magical camaraderie and radiate love and excellence with every breath of their horns.

They forge ahead, like Indianapolis race car drivers, picking up the pace right from the start of the tune  “A Peck A Sec” (a Hank Mobley composition) and keeping the arrangement in high gear for the duration. Both saxophonists admire Mobley’s work.  Drummer, Lewis Nash, demands the spotlight during his tasty percussive solo. Next, they’ll sweep you off your feet with their lovely rendition of “My Romance.”

This new album is an example of blending harmonious roots together, and blossoming with every tune performed, into a rare and beautiful flower.  This is a bouquet of music that you will enjoy time and time again.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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