FROM NEW YORK: HEAVY HITTERS FEATURING MIKE LEDONNE & ERIC ALEXANDER

Fri, Jan 17

In December of 2023 pianist Mike LeDonne and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander assembled an all-star cast known as The Heavy Hitters. The band recorded live at the club that weekend and Cellar Music released That's Whats Up! to critical acclaim! The co-leaders return to Vancovuer to celebarte the release and will be joined by some Vancovuer Heavy Hitters including Steve Kaldestad -alto saxophone, Julian Borkowski - trumpet, John Lee on bass and Jesse Cahill on drums. Pianist Mike LeDonne is one of the most soulful, swinging and technically proficient jazz musicians in New York City. A master of both the piano AND the Hammond organ LeDonne has worked with jazz luminaries, including Benny Goodman, Milt Jackson and Benny Golson and Lou Donaldson to name a few. Most recently LeDonne has been active on the Cellar Music label here in Vancouver recording on Eric Alexander's Timing Is Everything release as well as a beautiful duo album with Eric called Together. Known for his warm tone and robust, bop-informed lyricism, saxophonist Eric Alexander has carried the torch for straight-ahead modern jazz into the 21st century. Influenced by artist like Dexter Gordon and George Coleman, Alexander initially garnered attention playing in Chicago in the early 90's before moving to New York. He has received acclaim for his hard driving bop albums including 2023's Timing Is Everything on Vancouver's Cellar Music Group. Alexander has signed on to the label for two more releases coming in 2025!