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

Playlist

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/

(82) “Days and Nights Waiting” and Charles Lloyd

Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 5

“Days and Nights Waiting,” composed by Keith Jarrett and performed by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, is a harmonically rich tune built on a 32-bar AABA form. Its spacious melody contrasts with intricate II–V-based progressions that tease traditional resolutions, giving soloists wide harmonic freedom. Jarrett’s composition features rhythmic motifs and non-diatonic tonal shifts, supporting lyrical yet adventurous improvisation. Notable recordings include the 1967 Montreux performance by the Charles Lloyd Quartet, showcasing their dynamic interplay and emotional depth.

Charles Lloyd, born in 1938 in Memphis, fused blues, gospel, and jazz from an early age. After formative years with legends like Chico Hamilton and Cannonball Adderley, Lloyd formed a groundbreaking quartet with Jarrett, DeJohnette, and McClure. Their crossover appeal brought jazz to wider audiences, notably with Forest Flower. After a retreat from the spotlight, Lloyd returned with profound, genre-blending work. His lifelong pursuit of spiritual and musical truth cements him as a visionary voice in modern jazz.

Charles Lloyd

Steve Wilson

Stanley Clarke is a pioneering American bassist, composer, and producer, widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz fusion musicians of all time. Born on June 30, 1951, in Philadelphia, Clarke revolutionized the role of the bass in contemporary music, bringing it to the forefront as a lead instrument. He gained fame as a founding member of the jazz fusion group Return to Forever, alongside Chick Corea, where his virtuosic electric and acoustic bass playing stood out. Clarke's solo career further showcased his versatility, blending jazz, funk, rock, and classical influences. Albums like School Days and Journey to Love highlighted his technical brilliance and musical innovation. Throughout his career, Clarke has collaborated with artists across genres, from George Duke to Jeff Beck. A multiple Grammy Award winner, he continues to inspire generations of musicians with his groundbreaking work and remains a towering figure in modern bass playing

(81) “Day Waves” and Stanley Clarke

Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 6

“Day Waves,” composed by Chick Corea, is a harmonically adventurous piece first recorded on Stan Getz’s Captain Marvel. Its unique 25-bar form, shifting tonality, and descending melodic lines create a floating, untethered feeling, showcasing Corea’s sophisticated harmonic language. The A section’s sparse, rhythmically tied motifs build tension with colorful extensions, while the B section continues a chromatic descent in the bass, reinforcing the piece’s elusive tonal center. The signature recording features Getz on tenor saxophone, with Corea, Stanley Clarke, Tony Williams, and Airto Moreira creating a vibrant, modern Latin-infused groove. The solos highlight the players’ improvisational mastery, especially Clarke’s brilliant bass lines.

Stanley Clarke revolutionized the electric and double bass, transforming it into a virtuosic solo instrument. Rooted in classical double bass yet drawn to the electric’s possibilities, he became a pioneer of jazz fusion with Return to Forever and his groundbreaking solo work. Clarke’s melodic approach, innovative techniques, and fearless exploration inspired generations, solidifying the bass as a central voice in modern music.

Stan Getz

Chick Corea and Gary Burton

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Patrick Zimmerli Interview

Patrik Zimmerli is an acclaimed American composer and saxophonist known for blending jazz improvisation with contemporary classical forms., Zimmerli has built a reputation for pushing genre boundaries while maintaining clarity and emotional depth in his work. His 2025 trio album Songs of Innocence—featuring pianist Kevin Hays and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi—demonstrates his signature fusion of jazz, classical, and pop influences. The album balances lyrical expressiveness with structural complexity, creating a contemplative and melodic sound world. Zimmerli’s compositions often explore intricate rhythms and layered textures, evident in both his small ensemble work and large-scale commissions for ensembles like Songs of Innocence stands as a compelling example of Zimmerli’s ability to craft music that is both intellectually rich but also appealing to listeners across stylistic boundaries.

(80) “Darn That Dream” and Dexter Gordon

Standards Rating 7 Difficulty Rating 6

“Darn That Dream,” composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie DeLange, debuted in the 1939 Broadway jazz musical Swingin’ the Dream and soon became a popular ballad recorded by Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and others. Built on a rich 32-bar AABA form in G major, the melody weaves ascending and descending lines with poignant tensions, while the harmony shifts chromatically through unexpected II–V progressions, creating emotional depth and tonal ambiguity. Dexter Gordon’s 1964 recording on One Flight Up stands as a signature interpretation, with Gordon’s warm tenor saxophone delivering the melody’s longing character. His improvisation blends bebop sophistication and lyrical phrasing.. This rendition highlights Gordon’s expressive command and exemplifies his resurgence during his European period, capturing the tenderness and complexity of this timeless jazz standard performed by a jazz legend.

Dexter Gordon

Sarah Vaughan

Spotify Playlist