In the tradition of classic tenor battles from the '40s, '50s and early '60s -- Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Johnny Griffin -- ERIC ALEXANDER and VINCENT HERRING lock horns on this unbridled blowing session, which is anchored by a stellar rhythm section of Mike LeDonne on piano, John Webber on bass and Carl Allen on drums. The results are predictably swinging and visceral, with some outstanding examples of scorching, bop-fueled facility by both of the participants in this friendly exchange of ideas. "I think the idea of a battle excites jazz fans," says Alexander. "I think people really enjoy sitting back and watching guys kind of slug it out, so to speak, in the spirit of making good music. It's competition without animosity, as Harold Mabern likes to say." And in this competition, everybody wins. Especially the listener.

With Mike LeDonne; piano, John Webber; bass, Carl Allen; drums.

Tracks: Blues Up and Down; Road Song; Firm Roots; Ritual Dance; Shirley's Song; Eleven Years.

 Blues Up and Down

 Road Song

 Shirley's Song

 Eleven Years