Catch the debut of Soul Jazz organ trio, led by Jimmy Alexander (drums), Eddie Bayard (tenor saxophone), and John Eshelmen (organ), at Blu Jazz!
Bio:
James Alexander II acquired a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from The Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio as a student of Master Drummer Greg Bandy and NEA Jazz Master Billy Hart. He also completed the Master of Arts in Jazz Studies from Queens College as a student of Master Drummer Gene Jackson in New York City.
James is an Independent Jazz Drummer and a Cleveland native that works as a Performer, Composer, Producer, and Educator. He released his debut CD Grace & Peace featuring Trombone Master/Multi Instrumentalist Wycliffe Gordon, (Executive Producer) on Blues Back Records. His most recent original composition and EP, Alive Again offers a distinctive vibrant melody that encompasses his unique style of composition and features the Miles Davis classic performed in the style of his first jazz influence, Jazz Master Herbie Hancock.
As a national artist, he enjoys all music. His performance experience and educational concentration was birthed, has evolved, and shall remain in the music of The African Diaspora. He performed for or shared stages with Lou Donaldson, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Curtis Lundy, Tony Monaco, Dan Nimmer, Eric Lewis, Andre Haywood, Wessel Anderson, Marcus Printup, Walter Blanding, Russell Malone, Eric Johnson, Ralph Peterson(on trumpet) with Zaccai and Luques Curtis, Nathan Lucas, Lezlie Harrison Ron Jackson, Greg Lewis, Jerome Harris, Anthony Wonsey, and Randolph Noel. He incorporates all of his musical influences with an improvisational approach to communicate with any audience.
James has led jazz ensembles in NYC venues such as Cleopatra’s Needle, Showman’s, The Lenox Lounge, and Fat Cat Jazz Club along with dates in Cleveland venues, Night Town with Tony Monaco and Eric Johnson (closed) and The MGM Grand (formerly The Hard Rock Café) as an opening act for The Legendary Ms. Jennifer Holiday.