Eric Alexander, is widely recognized as one of today’s foremost tenor saxophonists, deeply rooted in the hard-bop tradition. He first gained national attention after placing second in the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and went on to study at William Paterson University, where he was mentored by jazz great Harold Mabern. Known for his robust tone, harmonic sophistication, and lyrical phrasing, Alexander has released over twenty albums as a leader and contributed to more than 300 recordings as a sideman. His latest solo project, Chicago to New York (April 2025), features Mike LeDonne, Dennis Carroll, and George Fludas, and highlights his enduring creative vitality and deep connection to swing and blues. Now, Alexander reunites with fellow saxophone powerhouse Vincent Herring for their third collaboration, Split Decision, a fiery live album recorded at SMOKE Jazz Club with an all-star rhythm section: Mike LeDonne on piano, John Webber on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums. Set for release on August 22, 2025, via SMOKE Sessions Records, Split Decision marks the 20th anniversary of their first celebrated saxophone battle and captures the dynamic interplay and intensity that have defined their partnership. To celebrate the release, Alexander and Herring will perform a special five-night engagement at SMOKE Jazz Club in New York City, August 13–17, delivering an electrifying week of saxophone battles and hard swinging music.

(E 82) “Dear Old Stockholm” and Folk-Jazz Connection

Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6

“Dear Old Stockholm,” a jazz arrangement of the Swedish folk tune “Ack Värmeland, du sköna,” exemplifies the rich intersection of folk melody and jazz improvisation. Rooted in the expressive traditions of rural Sweden, the original melody carries emotional depth and lyrical simplicity—qualities that resonate naturally with jazz. Its transformation into a jazz standard began in the 1940s through Scandinavian musicians and gained international attention with recordings by Stan Getz, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. Like other folk-based jazz pieces such as “Greensleeves” or “Shenandoah,” “Dear Old Stockholm” thrives on the balance between a memorable, singable melody and the harmonic complexity jazz can offer. Both folk and jazz share oral traditions, adaptability, and an emphasis on personal expression. In “Dear Old Stockholm,” the melodic clarity of folk music merges with jazz’s improvisational language, resulting in a timeless tune that bridges geographic, stylistic, and emotional landscapes.

Miles Davis

Bud Powell

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Drummer Joe Farnsworth joins host Jay Sweet for their second interview. Farnsworth is a highly respected American jazz drummer known for his impeccable timing, swing, and dynamic style. Born in Massachusetts in 1968, he studied at William Paterson University under legendary drummers like Harold Mabern and Jackie McLean. Farnsworth has played with jazz greats including McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, and Wynton Marsalis. He’s especially known for his long-standing collaboration with saxophonist Eric Alexander. A master of the hard bop tradition, Farnsworth brings both intensity and finesse to every performance. His recordings as a bandleader, such as City of Sounds and The Big Room, showcase his deep musicality.

See Jay's article on Joe Farnsworth in Jersey Jazz Magazine https://njjs.org/magazine/