What makes Up, Over & Out by Eric Alexander notable?

The album received positive critical reception and helped solidify Alexander's reputation as a talented saxophonist in the jazz community. It showcased the hard-bop tradition, influencing both contemporaries and future generations of jazz musicians seeking to blend classic styles with personal expression. Released in 1993, Up, Over & Out is Eric Alexander's debut album, marking the beginning of his professional recording career. At this point, he was a rising star in the jazz scene, having already gained attention for his performances but yet to establish a broad discography.

Who is Up, Over & Out for?

Up, Over & Out works well if you're into soulful melodies for quiet evenings, intricate improvisation that invites focus and extended tracks for deep listening.

How many songs are on Up, Over & Out?

Up, Over & Out has 8 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

Up, Over & Out

Eric Alexander · 1993

73 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of hard-bop jazz with intricate melodies and expressive improvisations that showcase Alexander's virtuosic saxophone skills.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Up Over and Out — The title track sets the tone for the album with its energetic rhythms and complex harmonies, highlighting Alexander's technical prowess and musical vision.
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I Remember Clifford — This poignant tribute features a heartfelt solo that captures both nostalgia and depth, illustrating Alexander's ability to convey emotion through his instrument.
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Blues for Mabe — With its soulful motifs and relaxed tempo, this track showcases Alexander's capacity for lyrical improvisation while paying homage to blues traditions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album displays strong melodic writing and skilled improvisation, characteristic of hard-bop jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of intricate melodies that are often interwoven with expressive improvisations, particularly highlighting the saxophone.
Each track maintains a hard-bop style, with rhythmic complexity and syncopation that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
The first half of the album showcases more upbeat tempos, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

soulful melodies for quiet evenings
intricate improvisation that invites focus
extended tracks for deep listening
reflective moments of emotional depth

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek upbeat party music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1993, Up, Over & Out is Eric Alexander's debut album, marking the beginning of his professional recording career. At this point, he was a rising star in the jazz scene, having already gained attention for his performances but yet to establish a broad discography.
Stylistic neighbors: Joshua Redman· Joe Lovano· Chris Potter