Ralph Alessi, a trumpeter and occasional bassist, is a strong supporter of avant-garde jazz. He first studied classical trumpet with his dad. Alessi grew up in San Francisco Bay and eventually got a job as a freelancer with several chamber ensembles, as well as the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Alessi studied at the California Institute for the Arts in the mid-80s. He performed with many jazz legends, including Bill Perkins, pianist Frank Strazzeri, and Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra. Alessi was awarded a B.F.A. in 1990. A degree in jazz trumpet playing and an M.F.A. Alessi received a degree in jazz bass performance and moved to New York City. He has been performing with long-standing collaborators such as Ravi Coltrane and pianist Uri Caine. Allmusic
