Alexis Cuadrado

Alexis Cuadrado, a bassist with a strong reputation, a bandleader and award-winning composer, is a well-respected educator. Born in Barcelona, Cuadrado is one of the most sought after musicians in New York’s jazz scene. Cuadrado’s compositions showcase a unique voice, combining improvised music with through-composed music. He draws influences from jazz, new music, and flamenco. His composition output has soared in recent years with new works like A Lorca Soundscape (Commissioned by Chamber Music America in 2011), Jazz Miniatures For Double Quartet (Commissioned by The Jazz Gallery in 2012), Hispalis, Finalist in the 2012 BMI Charlie Parker Composition Competition and Noneto Iberico (A 2009 Chamber Music America commission). Alexis has released five CDs as a leader. The new A Lorca Soundscape (Sunnyside 2013, featuring Claudia Acuna and Miguel Zenon. It features lyrics from Poeta En Nueva York by Federico Garcia Lorca. This text is a striking social commentary and resonates with current events around the globe. Noneto Iberico (BJURecords 2011, 2011), is a seminal piece that has also been widely praised. His other albums, Puzzles (BJURecords 2008), Visual (Fresh Sound New Talent 2004), and Metro (FSNT 2001) document his compositions. They have received great reactions from critics as well as presenters and fans. His sideman credits include performances and recordings with many greats such as Mark Turner, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Youssou N’Dour, Mark Turner, Grammy Award Winner Angelique Kidjo, Dianne Reeves and Omara Portuondo. He also freelances with various bands around the globe. Alexis received his degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at the Taller De Musics, Barcelona (1993). He then went on to study in Paris with Francois Rabbath (1995-1998). He graduated with honors from the Aaron Copland College Of Music-Queens College in 2001. Cuadrado is also an educator and currently a faculty member at New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He also teaches internationally as a guest lecturer. Cuadrado was a member of the Brooklyn Jazz Underground from 2006 to 2011. This group, which he founded and that promotes originality and awareness of new jazz musicians in Brooklyn, consisted of 10 bandleaders/composers. Cuadrado was also co-founder and coowner of Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records. He left the label in 2013 to pursue his artistic career. Cuadrado resides in Brooklyn with his wife, and their twin boys of five years. from http://www.alexiscuadrado.com

Leave a Comment