Hard-bop innovator Eric Alexander is always refining and reworking his vivacious sax styling, but remains true to his biggest influences—Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, and many of the original bebop pioneers. In 1991, at the tender age of 22, his rep blossomed after he placed second to Joshua Redman at the prestigious Thelonious Monk Inter- national Jazz Competition. JazzWeek named him artist of the year in 2003, and his momentum hasn’t slowed. The Second Milestone is a paramount showcase of Alexander’s energetic and freewheeling approach, while Nightlife in Tokyo, his latest, builds upon his strength as a composer. In forty years, jazz cats will be covering this guy like they cover Wayne Shorter today. Expect a vigorous night of the aggressive yet harmonious bop-based action that Alexander has made something all his own. 408 St. Peter St., St. Paul; (651) 292-1359; mnjazz.com
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