"Dueling  Tenors"
Albert Alva & Jim Jedeikin

    This program pays tribute to the history of great two tenor sax teams. Lester Young & Herschel Evans really set the foundation for the "tenor battle" concept, while they were both in the early Basie band of the late 30's. Illinois Jacquet & Flip Phillips probably bought the competitive spirit to it's climax with their Jazz At The Philharmonic performances. However, in reality, the "battles" were usually two respectful artists who inspired each other to play at their best. Other early examples include Wardell Gray & Dexter Gordon, and Gene Ammons & Sonny Stitt. Albert Alva & Jim Jedeikin play actual transcribed arrangements from the groups of Al Cohn & Zoot Sims, and the original "tough tenors," Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis & Johnny Griffin. 

   Albert Alva is a native Californian who has toured with Rosemary Clooney, Ken Peplowski, Ann Hampton Calloway, Ben Vereen, Leslie Uggams, and Michael Feinstein. He has played in various groups backing such artists as Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Diane Schuur, Barbara Morrison, and Louie Bellson. Recording credits include big band records with Toni Tennile, Matt Catingub, and Rosemary Clooney's final two Concord CD releases. He can be seen around town with Jonathan Stout's "Campus Five." Albert still proudly works for Mr. Bellson as music copyist, librarian, and arranger. Finally, he is enjoying his third semester at Chapman University, where he directs the jazz combo & big band.