Eric Alexander (born August 4, 1968) is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator. Having placed second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition behind Joshua Redman and ahead of Chris Potter and Tim Warfield, he was soon signed by a record label and has since recorded over 20 albums as a leader and over 300 as a sideman.

Early life and education

Alexander was born in Illinois. He began as a classical musician, studying alto saxophone at Indiana University with Eugene Rousseau in 1986. He soon switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, however, and transferred to William Paterson University, where he studied with Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre and others.

Career

Alexander finished second at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Later that year, he made his recording debut with Charles Earland and released his debut album on Delmark the following year. Alexander has worked with many jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Idris Muhammad, and guitarist Pat Martino. He is part of Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet with Peter Bernstein, and Joe Farnsworth. He has recorded and toured extensively with the sextet, One for All, and The Battle with Vincent Herring.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Steve Davis With Charles Earland With Joe Farnsworth With David Hazeltine With Vincent Herring With Randy Johnston With Mike LeDonne With Harold Mabern With Jimmy McGriff With New York All-Stars With One for All (co-leader with Jim Rotondi, Steve Davis, David Hazeltine, Joe Farnsworth) With Cecil Payne With Reeds and Deeds (co-leader with Grant Stewart) With Irene Reid With Jim Rotondi With Larry Willis

With others