Mike LeDonne & The Groover Quartet - Keep the Faith (Savant 2011)
It seems likely that Alexander played Charles Earland's "Keep the Faith" during his tenure with the late organist; this interpretation percolates with energy as an uptempo cooker, with everyone on fire throughout the performance. Horace Silver's funky "Sweet Sweetie Dee" isn't one of his better-known works, but the quartet makes the most of its spacious, hip setting. LeDonne's originals are equally compelling. Bernstein's intricate playing is a highlight of the fast-paced "Scratchin'," while the laid-back groover "Big John" (a tribute to the late organist John Patton) casts a mellow mood. This potent session is easily one of Mike LeDonne's best recordings.Ken Dryden allmusic.com savant
