New Release From Heartcore Records, “Introducing Cecil Alexander”

Alexander’s playing is steeped in the rich history of the guitarists that have come before him, and he carries this torch into the future.

“Introducing Cecil Alexander” is Alexander’s debut album as a bandleader, and features Will Gorman on organ and Steven Crammer on drums. The new release is full of covers that have inspired Alexander over the years. Coltrane’s “Central Park West” is a song Alexander remembers being moved by at a very early age, long before he understood it harmonically. “Til Then” is a 60s post-bop Bobby Hutcherson tune that Alexander has covered so many times in so many different bands, that he felt that the universe was telling him to release it. There’s a version of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free”, a soul classic who’s eminently hopeful lyric reflects something of Alexander’s own spirit as a kind and openhearted person that lifts up and celebrates the people he loves through his music. 

Cecil Alexander Photo by Eunice Beck

Heartcore Records’ release available on September 23rd 2022

Subscribe to Jazz Guitar Today – it’s FREE!