Eric Alexander (jazz saxophonist)

Eric Alexander (born August 4, 1968) is an American jazz saxophonist, known for his sophisticated hard bop and post-bop style.

Alexander began as a classical musician, studying alto saxophone at Indiana University with Eugene Rousseau in 1986. He soon switched to jazz and the tenor saxophone, however, and transferred to William Paterson University, where he studied with Harold Mabern, Rufus Reid, Joe Lovano, Gary Smulyan, Norman Simmons, Steve Turre and others.

Alexander first achieved fame by finishing second (behind Joshua Redman and ahead of Chris Potter) at the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. He was quickly signed and began recording albums.

Influenced heavily by John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon and George Coleman, Alexander has worked with many notable jazz musicians, including Chicago pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Joseph Farnsworth, guitarist Pat Martino, drummer Grady Tate, and Robert Stewart (saxophonist). He has also recorded and toured extensively with the sextet One for All.