RealTracks Artist Bio: Eric Alexander

Tenor Saxophonist Eric Alexander began his musical education at the tender age of 6, with piano lessons, followed by clarinet, and then alto sax. It wasn't until he went to Indiana University Bloomington that his passion switched to the tenor sax. Later he transferred to William Paterson College in New Jersey, where he studied further with Harold Mabern, Joe Lovano, and Rufus Reid, among others.

With influences like Charlie Parker, George Coleman and Coltrane, Eric has fused elements of these greats into his own unique style. In 1991, he placed second in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, which set him on the path to his distinguished career. He cut his first album as a leader, “Straight Up” that same year. In 1997 he released “Man with a Horn.” The following year he recorded on “Solid!”, a collaboration with George Mraz, John Hicks, and Idris Muhammad.

In 2004, Eric signed an exclusive contract with HighNote Records, an independent jazz label based in New York City. The most recent recordings with HighNote have been “Don't Follow the Crowd,” and “Friendly Fire” with Vincent Herring.

Eric continues to tour throughout the world, playing to capacity audiences. With New York City as his home, he is also to perform on a regular basis in well known New York clubs.

Visit Eric's website at http://www.ericalexanderjazz.com/.