Straight Up (Eric Alexander album) explained

Straight Up
Type:	Studio
Artist:	Eric Alexander
Cover:	File:EAlexander_StraightUp.jpg
Recorded:	August 21–22, 1992
Studio:	Riverside Studio, Chicago
Genre:	Jazz
Label:	Delmark
Chronology:	Eric Alexander
Year:	1992
Next Title:	New York Calling
Next Year:	1992

Straight Up is the debut album by tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander. It was recorded in 1992 and released by Delmark Records.

Recording and music

The album was recorded at Riverside Studio, Chicago, on August 21–22, 1992.^[1] The five musicians are tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Jim Rotondi, pianist Harold Mabern, bassist John Webber, and drummer George Fludas.

Release and reception

Straight Up was released by Delmark Records. It was Alexander's first album as leader. The AllMusic reviewer wrote that Alexander "has a full, bright, impressive tone, excellent facility and command of the instrument and is steadily developing a personal sound. While the tracks vary in quality, most are at worst competent and at best outstanding."

Track listing

1. "Straight Up" (Eric Alexander) – 8:24
2. "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand) – 8:25
3. "Be My Love" (Nicholas Brodszky, Sammy Cahn) – 7:49
4. "Blues Waltz" (Ray Charles) – 8:05
5. "Laura" (Johnny Mercer, David Raksin) – 8:02
6. "An Oscar for Treadwell" (Charlie Parker) – 7:21
7. "The End of a Love Affair" (Edward Redding) – 8:08
8. "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" (Sammy Fain, Paul Francis Webster) – 7:57

Personnel

• Eric Alexander – tenor saxophone
• Jim Rotondi – trumpet
• Harold Mabern – piano
• John Webber – bass
• George Fludas – drums

Notes and References

1. Eric Alexander: Straight Up (CD liner notes). Delmark Records. Delmark 461.