Alex Norris was born in Columbia, Maryland. At the age of 9, he started studying music. He graduated high school and was awarded a scholarship to Peabody Conservatory of Music. There he studied trumpet. In 1990, he graduated from the Conservatory. In 1992, Norris relocated to New York City to pursue a career in jazz trumpeter. He found work with Toshiko Akiyoshi’s Jazz Orchestra, the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Maria Schneider’s Band. Norris was an active member of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead from 1994-1998. He became the musical director in 1998, which was Carter’s final year. Norris also recorded and performed extensively with Lonnie Plaxico and Jason Lindner as well as with Ralph Irizarry’s Timbalaye. He was the musical director of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead from 1994 to 1998, which marked the end of Carter’s life. Norris has been active in Afro-Cuban music, having collaborated with Manny Oquendo and Paquito Driva and Chico OFarril. Norris also holds a master’s from the Manhattan School of Music in 1995. He was a member of the music faculties of the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music and Towson University as well as the City College of New York. Norris was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2007 from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Norris taught at the University of Miami from 2005 to 2008. He regularly performs at the Jazz Standard, Smalls, Smoke, Birdland, Blue Note, and other top New York Jazz Clubs. He is also a member of Jazz Studies Faculty at Peabody Conservatory of Music. Alex Norris has one CD on the Fresh Sounds/New Talent Label titled Alex Norris Quintet – A New Beginning. Alex Norris Organ Quartet- Extension Deadline’ is his most recent recording and will be available on Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records in February. Alex has recorded over 80 CDs as a sideman; many of these were for labels like Blue Note, Verve Impulse, Steeplechase and Sunnyside. Alex also has several Latin jazz compositions published in Fresno by 3-2 Music. Additionally, he has a video masterclass available on www.mymusicmasterclass.com .Visit his website, www.alexpopenorris.com , to keep up with his various musical endeavors. from www.smallsjazzclub.com
