NYC born Keyboardist NEIL ALEXANDER is an award winning pianist, synthesist and composer who is a classically trained Jazz pianist and an electronic music artist. He keeps up a rigorous performance schedule with multiple projects, composes constantly, works with choreographers and theater directors, records regularly and is very comfortable performing, composing and producing music across many different styles and genres, often combining them into new works. His jazz fusion ensemble “NAIL” is now in it’s 20th year, and his new contemporary classical group the X Ensemble will launch its inaugural season in fall of 2020.
My life blood - my connection to the infinite - peace of mind. The courage to get up everyday and try again, to try harder, to work harder, to love more.
To maintain my own successful ensembles while freelancing as a live/studio musician, composer or musical director for a wide variety of other artists.
An honesty about the massive environmental issues we face as a species - it's about everyone's survival. We need localized electricity and cut our carbon emissions to zero...NOW.
Probably the Beethoven Symphony No. 6 - Or Stravinsk'ys "Rite of Spring" - both which I experienced while seeing Fantasia at age 6!
I get asked this a lot. There are way too many to list here, but I have a "top 4" keyboaridists: Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, Joe Zawinul, Jan Hammer. OK, five: Kieth Jarret. OK six: Chick Corea. Like I said, there's way too many people.... :)
Being alive - Sun, air, water, the dream of world peace.... many many things.
"We're all in this together". Savor the moment - all the moments.
Occasionally nervous, but usually I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
Well, a lot of us are noticing that musicians are still getting paid what they got paid in the 1970s...! So there's that.
Verdict still out... :)
Venue owners thinking I owe them something, not being upfront, to returning calls.... essentially the booking process I find to be frustrating and difficult.
I go to shows - I buy CD's of music I like - I try and spread the word about who I think are the kickass local bands - and I connect with venues.
I'm not sure there's one answer to this. The ability to connect and engage with the audience is a key.
The Sweet Clementines Bright Dog Red Burr Johnson Band The X Ensemble Decora Peter Furlan Project