VINCENT HERRING / ERIC ALEXANDER QUINTET

SMOKE / AUGUST 26-28

Alto saxophonist Vincent Herring and tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander have been among the top players on their respective instruments, while their friendship hasn’t prevented them from engaging in saxophone battles on either the stage or on record. Both of their CDs together, The Battle: Live at Smoke (HighNote, 2005) and the recent Split Decision (Smoke Sessions, 2025), reveal plenty of fireworks. The five nights are a birthday tribute to Charlie Parker, so expect a mix of his original compositions and some of the standards that the late master enjoyed playing. No matter the tune called, expect no prisoners being taken by either co-leader. They are joined by an equally seasoned rhythm section consisting of pianist Mike LeDonne (a favorite of the late Oscar Peterson), bassist John Webber and drummer Lewis Nash. – KD