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| | Eric Alexander | The First Milestone (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-05) |
 | | He’s accompanied here by a topnotch rhythm section comprised of longtime friends and associates — muscular pianist Harold Mabern, metronomic bassist Peter Washington, reliable drummer Joe Farnsworth — and, on four tracks, by sure—fingered guitarist Pat Martino, hale, hearty and swinging as in the good old days before a brain aneurysm interrupted his promising career. |
 | | If The First Milestone has a downside, it lies in the leader’s choice of material, which isn’t as persuasive as one might wish. |
 | | For the most part, however, Alexander and his companions transcend such shortcomings, shaping more than an hour of searing straight—ahead Jazz that bristles with energy and passion. |
| www.allaboutjazz.com /reviews/r0501_181.htm (346 words) |
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