Search - One for All, Eric Alexander :: The Long Haul

"The Jazz Messengers" Ride Again

Steven Cerra | Santa Ana, CA United States | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you loved the version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers that featured the front line of Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor and Curtis Fuller on trombone underscored by the sensitive comping of Cedar Walton on piano, close your eyes and listen to them once again in the form of the group "One For All." The unison horns and intriguing harmonies found in the tight arrangements on such Blakey albums as "Mosaic," "Free For All" and "Ugetsu" are heard again in the striking original compositions featured on "The Long Haul." Eric Alexnader is a powerful tenor sax player with a big sound; Jim Rotondi express some wonderful trumpet lines with a big, juicy trumpet tone that is striking in its similarity to Freddie Hubbard's and Steve Davis on trombone reflects the lessons learned from trombone master J.J. Johnson. David Hazeltine's lyrical piano solos are punctuated by even eight notes in the style of Cedar Walton and drummer Joe Farnsworth is a brilliantly hard-driving and inventive drummer who keeps things moving forward much in the tradition of Art Blakey. With the exception of Sacha Distel's "The Good Life," the remaining 7 compositions on "The Long Haul" are all originals by various members of the group. Check out the opening track, "A Cry for Understanding," to get a sampling of this powerful group. Although the members of On For All pay eloquent hommage to the Jazz tradition, each is well on its way to developing their own voice. This is a superior recording by a group of young musicians who deserve greater recognition and support for what they have accomplished. In their capable hands, Jazz continues to be a vital force of artistic energy and creativity. Gerry Teekens at Criss Criss Records in Holland has produced another masterpiece."