New York All-Stars featuring Eric Alexander, Mike LeDonne & Seamus Blake

'Burnin’ in London' Album Launch

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Last Show: Wednesday 19 th September 2018

PizzaExpress Jazz Club (Soho)

The New York All-Stars play energetic and swinging music on the highest level, presented with the utmost professionalism and uninhibited enthusiasm, which has given them the title of “Jazz at its Best”. New York tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander is one of the most important soloists of the current modern straight-ahead jazz world. His accolades are many and he has appeared on over 75 albums--as leader, collaborator and sideman--with big names like Steve Davis, Jim Rotondi, Vincent Herring, Pat Martino, Jimmy Cobb, Cedar Walton and McCoy Tyner. With the killer line-up of Eric Alexander, Mike LeDonne and Seamus Blake, along with their world-class rhythm section, this is an absolute ‘Must-See’ show!

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"The result is often not so much sunny as scorching, with (Eric Alexander’s) quartet burning their way through.” - The Times Newspaper

“Eric Alexander just gets better and better...and better still. He is arguably the best modern straight-ahead tenor in jazz today.” - Jazzwise Magazine

Due to a sudden illness, Harold Mabern will be unable to perform as planned. Replacing Harold is New York pianist Mike LeDonne. Mike has played with many of the greats in jazz, including Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie and a number of others. He has performed with Eric Alexander for years and appears on more than 120 albums. 

Joining the line-up as Very Special Guest for these three evenings only is New York based saxophonist and composer Seamus Blake, who is recognized as one of the finest exponents of contemporary jazz. His music is known for its sophistication, bold improvisations and ‘sheer swagger’. Seamus has performed with exceptional artists, including John Scofield, Antonio Sanchez, John Escreet, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Cheek, David Kikoski and Alex Sipiagin. Seamus appears on more than 75 albums.

Italian bassist Aldo Zunino is one of the most accomplished bass players on the international scene, working with Benny Golson, Clark Terry, Tommy Flanagan, Clifford Jordan, Kenny Barron, Joe Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, Nat Adderley, Junior Mance, Cedar Walton, Kenny Burrell, Art Farmer, Louis Hayes and many more. His virtuosity, warm sound and impeccable beat makes him one of most sought-after jazz bassists.

Since 2012, Alexander and Mabern have worked in various projects with Austrian drummer Bernd Reiter, who studied in Graz and New York and lives now in Paris, always delivering a rock-solid beat. He has worked with many international jazz stars such as Kirk Lightsey, Don Menza, Steve Grossman, Charles Davis, Claudio Roditi and others.

Ubuntu Music is extremely proud to release the first live recording of The New York All-Stars Burnin’ in London on September 7th. The release will be supported by an extensive European Tour.


“This is a lively collection of witty and high-octane jazz recorded live by practitioners at the top of their craft.”
London Jazz News 

“All four players laying down their credentials leaving no one in doubt that they were listening to living legends.”
Bebop Spoken Here

Eric Alexander (tenor sax)

Seamus Blake (tenor sax)

Mike LeDonne (piano)

Aldo Zunino (bass)

Bernd Reiter (drums)