John Alexander

Charlotte Jazz Orchestra: Uptown Down

by Jack Bowers
July 26, 2016

Uptown Down is the second album by the Charlotte (NC) Jazz Orchestra, a credibly proficient ensemble for a city that size. Unlike its earlier, in-house endeavor, this one is intended for public consumption; also unlike its sequestered debut, the CJO has chosen this time to intersperse its half-dozen instrumentals with vocals by Renee Ebalarosa. Is that a good thing? The answer depends largely on one's fondness for big-band singers. Let's simply say that some listeners would prefer to hear an ...

John Alexander: You Need 'Dis

by Jack Bowers
April 11, 2004

As its saucy title implies, North Carolina-based saxophonist John Alexander and his colleagues are into some serious post-boppin’ on this self-produced album, which showcases ten of Alexander’s engaging compositions.

Alexander, who plays flute (“La Danseuse Triste,” “Lights of Madeira“) as well as tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, is of course featured prominently throughout, but the soloist who caught my ear most frequently was trumpeter Jon Thornton (“Lookin’ Up,” “New Blues,” “Will I See You Again,” “Trina‘s Cheeks”). Lovely tone, unerring ...