Neil Alexander

Story

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.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

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.

What is your music dream?

To maintain my own successful ensembles while freelancing as a live/studio musician, composer or musical director for a wide variety of other artists.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

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.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Probably the Beethoven Symphony No. 6 - Or Stravinsk'ys "Rite of Spring" - both which I experienced while seeing Fantasia at age 6!

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

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.... :)

What inspires you to make music?

Being alive - Sun, air, water, the dream of world peace.... many many things.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

"We're all in this together". Savor the moment - all the moments.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Occasionally nervous, but usually I feel like I'm right where I'm supposed to be.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Well, a lot of us are noticing that musicians are still getting paid what they got paid in the 1970s...! So there's that.

What do you think of Drooble?

Verdict still out... :)

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Venue owners thinking I owe them something, not being upfront, to returning calls.... essentially the booking process I find to be frustrating and difficult.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

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.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

I'm not sure there's one answer to this. The ability to connect and engage with the audience is a key.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

The Sweet Clementines Bright Dog Red Burr Johnson Band The X Ensemble Decora Peter Furlan Project