The Heavy Hitters at The Century Room

The Heavy Hitters returned to The Century Room @thecenturyroom for their 2nd appearance on December 7, 2023. The band presented compositions calling upon the timelessness of old Blue Note sounds. The Heavy Hitters are co-led by Mike LeDonne, New York-based bop pianist best known for his sideman work with Milt Jackson and Benny Golson. His partner in crime, Eric Alexander (himself a first-rate soloist working with Harold Mabern amongst others) was his quartet-mate on a well-received series of releases on the Venus label in the mid-2000’s.

The Heavy Hitters at The Century Room

LeDonne & Alexander were joined in this powerhouse ensemble by the fiery trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, alto saxophonist Vincent Herring, bassist Alexander Claffy and the sublime swing of drummer Kenny Washington. These world-renowned musicians are the epitome of New York jazz and are known for bringing the heat and taking no prisoners.

On the evening:

  • Mike LeDonne - piano @mikeledonne5

  • Jeremy Pelt - trumpet @jeremypeltthegriot

  • Vincent Herring - alto saxophone @vincent.herring

  • Eric Alexander - tenor saxophone @ericalexanderjazz

  • Alexander Claffy - bass @claffybass

  • Kenny Washington - drums @kwjazzdrums

#heavyhitters #theheavyhitters #mikeledonne #ericalexander #vincentherring #jeremypelt #alexanderclaffy #kennywashington #thecenturyroom #centuryroom #tucson #jazz #bop #hardbop #bebop #bluenote #bestconcertphotographerintucson #bestconcertphotographerinarizona #jazzportrait #sextet

Eric Alexander - Saxophonist

Eric Alexander began as a classical musician, studying alto saxophone at Indiana University with Eugene Rousseau in 1986. He soon switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, however, and transferred to William Paterson University, where he studied with Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre and others. Alexander first achieved fame by finishing second (behind Joshua Redman) at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. He was quickly signed and began recording albums. Alexander has worked with many jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Idris Muhammad, and guitarist Pat Martino. He is part of Mike LeDonne's Groover Quartet with Peter Bernstein, and Joe Farnsworth.