Tenor saxophonist
Eric Alexander and alto saxophonist
Vincent Herring pair up for two nights of fireworks at Smoke on this 2005 release. Unlike the various two-tenor battles that have appeared on numerous releases over the decades, the contrast provided by featuring two different reeds is easier on one's ears. The furious take of "Blues Up and Down" (penned by the two-tenor team of
Gene Ammons and
Sonny Stitt) is a long workout starting with
Alexander's intense solo, though
Herring provides a bit of humor, especially with a brief lick from
Lester Young's "Jumpin' with Symphony Sid."
Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots" also kicks up a few sparks. Drummer
Carl Allen contributed the driving blues "Ritual Dance," which
Alexander infuses with an unmistakable
Coltrane stamp, while
Herring takes the piece into a more soulful direction, adding a gritty texture at times. Pianist
Mike LeDonne contributed the loping "Shirley's Song" and the intense post-bop vehicle "Eleven Years," which proves to be another exciting workout for the two saxophonists. ~ Ken Dryden