"Like Sugar" is a captivating jazz CD by tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, released on the respected independent label Cellar Live. On this album, Alexander showcases his hallmark blend of commanding technique, warm tone and soulful phrasing, moving effortlessly between hard bop fire, lyrical ballads and swinging mid-tempo grooves. The program is rooted in acoustic jazz tradition yet feels fresh and contemporary, with tightly arranged themes, inventive solos and a strong group interplay that highlights Alexander's role as both a powerful soloist and a sensitive ensemble player. The recording quality is intimate and detailed, reflecting Cellar Live's focus on audiophile-level live and studio sessions that capture the natural sound of the instruments. This CD is ideal for listeners who appreciate straight-ahead jazz with depth, emotional weight and a strong melodic core, whether you're discovering Eric Alexander for the first time or adding another gem to an established collection.
Eric Alexander is widely regarded as one of the leading modern tenor saxophonists in straight-ahead jazz. Emerging in the 1990s, he quickly gained attention through his work in New York's club scene and on a long series of acclaimed recordings as both leader and sideman. Known for his robust sound, precise articulation and deep grounding in the language of bebop and hard bop, he has collaborated with numerous top-tier jazz musicians and appeared at major festivals and venues around the world. Over the years he has built an extensive discography that has earned him a loyal following among jazz aficionados, who prize his consistency, musical integrity and the emotional directness of his playing.
Cellar Live is a Canadian jazz label with a strong reputation among connoisseurs for documenting high-quality jazz in an authentic, uncompromising way. Originating from the spirit of a real jazz club environment, the label focuses on capturing the immediacy and spontaneity of musicians in top form, often in intimate settings that emphasize interaction and swing rather than studio gloss. With a catalog that spans established artists and notable contemporary voices, Cellar Live has become a trusted name for listeners seeking genuine, straight-ahead jazz recordings. The release of "Like Sugar" under this imprint underscores both the artistic ambition of the project and the label's commitment to preserving and promoting the vibrant tradition of modern acoustic jazz.