About Me
Alex Heitlinger studied trombone at the University of Colorado at Boulder and while a student there, became the first jazz musician in the school's history to receive the Fiske performance award. Since moving to New York in 2004, he's gained a reputation as both a gifted composer and a talented, versatile trombonist. In addition to working with his own band, Heitlinger continues to collaborate with an array of other musical projects. In September-October, 2007 he completed a tour of Madagascar with the afrojazz group Fikira, performing and teaching workshops throughout the country. He also recently performed on "Unfailing Kindness" the debut recording of big band composer Chie Imaizumi which features the talents of Ron Miles, Gary Smulyan, Greg Gisbert, John Gunther and many others and is available from Capri Records. He is a member of Wayne Gorbea's Salsa Picante and has also collaborated with Balkan brass band Slavic Soul Party, Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Darcy Argue's Secret Society, Cuban pianist Lisandro Arias, West African composer Azouhouni Adou, and many more. He was also a recipient of an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award in 2008.Heitlinger's debut release Green Light (Synergy Music 2004) received critical praise and extensive national radio airplay, including mention by jazz radio legend Bob Parlocha as one of the top 40 new albums of the year. Critic Doug Ramsey, who wrote that when he receives a debut CD featuring original music, his usual "inclination is to consign the CD to the box reserved for things I may get around to some day" offered nothing but praise for Heitlinger: "His jazz playing has elements of whimsy that remind me of Bill Harris and Roswell Rudd. His flights of fancy extend into his writing... This one was a pleasant surprise." Scott Yanow of All Music Guide also praised the album for "high musicianship and the strong solos."In Octobor 2008, Heitlinger released his 2nd album as a leader, The Daily Life of Uncle Roger, a collection of distinctive compositions featuring a world class ensemble including pianist Erik Deutsch (Charlie Hunter trio), trumpeter Shane Endsley (Kneebody, Ani DiFranco), drummer Tony Moreno (Dave Liebman, Kendra Shank), clarinetist/saxophonist Mike McGinnis (Steve Swallow, Lonnie Plaxico) & bassist Matt Clohesy (Ingrid Jensen).Additional praise for Alex Heitlinger: "Green Light stands as an engaging album that not only brings Heitlinger to light as a composer and player to watch, but also presents a group of equally fine and underexposed musicians." --John Kelman, All About Jazz"[Alex Heitlinger] demonstrates great promise through his knack for writing catchy melodies... colorful horn arrangements that are broadcasted immediately on the opening “Green Lightâ€, a buoyant, yet driving piece that demonstrates the group’s highly interactive level... The polyphony from the horns also inspires... Heitlinger’s sensitivity also shines through... Considering the whole, then, this record is sure to please those looking for a mix of mainstream jazz and announces the arrival of a name to watch." --Jay Collins, One Final Note
