Eric Alexander: Timing Is Everything

Eric Alexander's album Timing Is Everything is an acknowledgment of his mastery of the tenor saxophone, highlighting a combination of power, precision, and profound musicality. Accompanied by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Alexander Claffy and drummer Jason Tiemann along with a handful of special guests, Alexander leads this nine-track outing with a confidence and ease that can only come from deep familiarity with the material and an unspoken rapport with his bandmates.

The opening track is a John Coltrane original "After The Rain." Alexander starts the chart in full Coltrane mode, big, bold, and boisterous, dominating the number. Germanson comes in, covering the keyboard with an unbroken tangle of notes. Each lay down a marker for the remainder of the session. The Jimmy Van Heusen beautiful ballad follows, and Alexander delivers it sleek and insinuatingly. During his solo, Germanson picks up the pace with a stream of lyrical ideas before Alexander repeats the melody as he takes the tune out.

In Rahsaan Roland Kirk's composition "Serenade To A Cuckoo" the band expands to a sextet with the addition of flutist Jed Paradies and guitarist Rale Micic. Paradies leads off by stating the familiar theme, then joined by Mici, after which they are both given room to roam, playing patterns to build a freshness in the number. Alexander takes part in the interplay with his unfailing tone before Paradies restates the theme as the number plays out. George Coleman is another big-tone tenor man who wrote " Big G's Monk." Alexander is joined on the number by tenor saxophonist {[Stan Wetering}} in a hard bop swinger in which they both demonstrate explorative depth and rhythmic propulsion driving the music forward.

The timing of each note and each interaction between the musicians is captured on record with pristine clarity at the iconic Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, by engineer Maureen Sickler. The Erroll Garner classic composition "Misty" shows perfection in this recording studio. Alexander gives a masterclass with his impeccable phrasing and his ability to traverse the instrument's range with power and control, which is remarkable. Germanson's solo is a highlight displaying a sophisticated sense of swing that adds to the performance.

The title track, "Timing Is Everything," is an Alexander original and a fitting title for both the song and the album. Alexander's tenor is the anchor through the number, keeping pace as Claffy and Tiemann offer a steady pulse and occasional solo flourishes that add colour and complexity. Germanson's piano work is supportive and explorative, providing depth and rhythmic propulsion. The album highlights the ensemble's talents and their exceptional synergy as a group.