Name: Two of a Kind
Brand: Criss Cross
SKU: 1486884
Price: 22.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Two of a Kind

Rating

Performer Notes

Personnel: Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); David Hazeltine (piano); John Webber (bass); Joe Farnsworth (drums).
Recorded at RPM Studio, New York, New York on December 15, 1996. Includes liner notes by Ted Panken.
Personnel: Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone); Cecil Payne (baritone saxophone); David Hazeltine (piano); Joe Farnsworth (drums).
Liner Note Author: Ted Panken.
Recording information: RPM Studio, New York, NY (12/15/1996).
Photographer: Gildas Bocl‚.
Eric Alexander is a high-powered tenor saxophonist whose style falls between hard bop and post-bop. On this set he splits his time between quartet numbers -- with pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Webber, and drummer Joe Farnsworth -- and quintet pieces that co-star baritonist Cecil Payne. Unfortunately, Payne (74 at the time) sounds past his prime, displaying a weaker tone than he had previously although he tries his best during his three appearances (two Payne originals plus "I Can't Get Started"). Alexander (who brought in three originals of his own) sounds fine throughout and he helps to revitalize the straight-ahead tradition with his passionate playing. ~ Scott Yanow