Although he has never become well-known (despite playing for a period with
George Shearing and being active as a musician for many years),
Ray Alexander shows on this swinging album that he is one of the top vibraphonists in jazz.
Alexander's style, which falls between
Lionel Hampton and
Milt Jackson, is heard at its best on such standards as "Sunday," "I Want to Be Happy," "Hi-Fly," "Samba de Orfeu," and "Secret Love." He is joined by a fine rhythm section from New England comprised of pianist
Mac Chrupcala, bassist
Marshall Wood, and drummer John Anter. This set is quite enjoyable and deserving of several listens, but why isn't
Ray Alexander famous?