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Alexander Sill

"Alex Sill is one of those rare talented individuals that has all the elements in place... He’s embraced the Jazz idiom and his fingers dance through it effortlessly while his inspired inner ear guides him through new melodic discoveries. He has a wonderful command of the compositional tools necessary to recognize his inner musical inspirations and make them real in the world in beautiful and generous expressions while still honoring the melody. It’s nice to see a young person have such a passion for this style of music. He is one of the vital players that has the potential to raise the Jazz bar." - Steve Vai

Bolstered by his family’s background, Alex Sill began playing guitar and piano at age 12 and progressed briskly, amassing both prestigious awards and acclaimed mentors over the following decade. Sometimes, like when Sill earned a top spot in Lee Ritenour’s international Six String Theory Competition, the two intersected. Other important teachers and heroes have included Larry Koonse, who inspired Sill to enroll at CalArts, and Steve Vai, who has said that, “Alex Sill is one of those rare talented individuals that has all the elements in place.” Sill recently paid homage to Allan Holdsworth, performing as a guitarist for the official tribute concerts alongside Holdsworth band veterans Virgil Donati, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Hunt, Joel Taylor and Chad Wackerman. During a set opening for Robben Ford in 2013, he premiered “Montana Suite,” a longform piece for three guitars; he’s also written for disciplines including film score, rock band and orchestra.

In 2019, Alex was selected to be a new member of Simon Phillips’ Grammy nominated group Protocol for the band’s 30th anniversary tour. Following a June run in Japan, Protocol will continue to tour worldwide throughout 2019. Alex has also performed and or studied with the likes of Charlie Haden, Sonny Emory, Melvin Lee Davis, Joe Labarbera, Ellis Hall, Derek Oles, and many others.

Sill also released his debut solo album in May 2019. Featuring musical luminaries such as Dave Grusin and Otmaro Ruiz, the album has received critical acclaim, receiving praise such as "The best GRP album we haven't seen in years... Music that is often cinematic in scope, as if it were the soundtrack to an imaginary movie."

See below for the album's official press release:

GUITARIST ALEX SILL EXPLORES THE PSYCHOLOGY OF MUSICAL ARCHETYPES WITH DEBUT RECORD "EXPERIENCES: REAL AND IMAGINARY"

Plenty of players and listeners have talked and thought about music as a kind of interior cinema: A concert or recording begins, and each of its beholders conjures up a personal, image-based narrative that corresponds to the sounds. But for the 26-year-old, L.A.-based guitarist and composer Alex Sill, this extraordinary symbiosis between music and the mind has led to a far-reaching search for answers.

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”Alex Sill is one of those rare talented individuals that has all the elements in place, and at the age of 22! (?). He’s embraced the Jazz idiom and his fingers dance through it effortlessly while his inspired inner ear guides him through new melodic discoveries. He has a wonderful command of the compositional tools necessary to recognize his inner musical inspirations and make them real in the world in beautiful and generous expressions while still honoring the melody. It’s nice to see a young person have such a passion for this style of music. He is one of the vital players that has the potential to raise the Jazz bar.” -STEVE VAI

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

Los Angeles

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

Contact this email address if you're interested in lessons in the Los Angles area, or for Skype lessons: [email protected]

Michael Brecker
saxophone, tenor
Allan Holdsworth
guitar, electric
Lyle Mays
keyboards
Pat Metheny
guitar
Steve Vai
guitar, electric
Donald Fagen
keyboards
Steely Dan
band / ensemble / orchestra
Guthrie Govan
guitar, electric

Photos

Music

Videos

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