Eric Alexander Quartet – Lazy Afternoon (LP, Venus)

Lazy Afternoon is the fourth album in the Eric Alexander Quartet’s Gentle Ballads series on Venus Records. Like the first parts, it is a collection of beautiful ballads that show the gentle and lyrical side of Alexander. The song selection includes lesser-known gems like “Feelin’ Good,” “Slow Hot Wind,” as well as originals from jazz musicians like Cedar Walton’s “When Love Was New” and Johnny Griffin’s “When We Were One.” Highly recommended!