Chicago-based, Greek American trumpeter/flugelhornist Constantine Alexander releases his debut album, Firetet on October 18th, 2023.

His swinging, and soulful salute to Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and trumpet titans Clifford Brown, Nicholas Payton and Sean Jones, Alexander’s debut is a no-nonsense, swinging hard-bop tribute of the highest order.

Alexander is one of the busiest musicians on the Windy City scene, performing with Roy McGrath’s Menjunje, and Marques Carroll’s Trumpet Summit, and he is the trumpeter for the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s also worked and collaborated with Ron Carter, Ernie Watts, Randy Brecker, Brian Lynch, Terrell Stanford, Dennis Mackrel, Paquito D’Rivera, Chuchito Valdes and Robert Sput Searight of Snarky Puppy.

1. The Show
2. IDKY
3. Fire
4. Waltzin’ Long
5. Frequent Flyer
6. Forever and Always
7. Deez

The recording opens on the vibrantly upbeat The Show and the stridently-hued IDKY and then brings us the free-flowing Fire and the jubilantly pleasing Waltzin’ Long.

Along next is the foot-tapping, finger-snapping melodies found within Frequent Flyer, the album rounding out on the languishing rhythms within Forever and Always, the album coming to a close on the triumphant fervency of Deez.

As Constantine Alexander himself says: As a son of Greek immigrants born and raised in the (best) city of Chicago, you have to ask—what’s more Chicago than Pizza and Jazz? I hosted a jam session in 2017 at Gino’s East Pizzeria where The Firetet was born.

Inspired by legendary bands like Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers and trumpeters Clifford Brown, Nicholas Payton, and Sean Jones, these cats reinvented the way a trumpet could sound which ultimately led me to bring out the fire from within.

This project highlights members of The Firetet. I wanted to celebrate each individual’s unique sound to create something unforgettable.

Official Purchase Link

Constantine Alexander @ Facebook