Born: December 25, 1939 | Died: March 29, 2006 Primary Instrument: Percussion
Charles Donald Alias, Sr., son of Eugene Alias and Violet Richardson, was born on December 25, 1939 in Harlem, New York.
Don received his education in Boston where he met and wedded Paulette Wilson. From this union two beautiful children were born - Charles Donald Alias, Jr. and Kimberlee Marisa Alias. The family has grown to include four wonderful grandchildren - Franklin, Avante, Devin and Chloe Alias.
While in Boston he spent many nights at the Berklee School dorms. It was there that he jammed with drummer Tony Williams and pianist Chick Corea and became part of a band called Los Muchachos, along with bassist Gene Perla who became his life long partner. Don played percussion as a child in Harlem and began his working career steeped in Afro-Cuban music. In the 70's and 80's he worked with an array of legendary musicians including Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Nina Simone, Herbie Hancock, Pat Matheny, Lou Rawls, Mongo Santamaria, Roberta Flack, Chick Corea, Joni Mitchell, Chuck Mangione, David Sanborn and many, many others. His first venture leading a band came with the creation of his group Stone Alliance that included saxophonist Steve Grossman and bassist Gene Perla.
“What possess someone to play the conga drum, to beat on a drum with your hands? It's a strange instrument I'll say, and in some ways really masochistic to play them. Listen to your heartbeat, it is like a drum, and you cannot live without your heart.” - Don Alias
Don Alias entertained millions across the globe with power and style, and his musical spirit leaped off the stage. His sensitivity to other musicians, in particular other percussionists, made Don so popular among his peers. He also played the trap drums as well as assorted Latin percussion with equivalent skill. The “chops always had to be tight,” he would say, and they always were.
He was our touchstone; our musical inspiration in life, our guide, our friend, he was our beloved father. We have shared with him our concerns, emotions and thoughts of life's philosophies. We realized that his soul ran deep and that he was genuine. He was an entertainer. His love… always, his emotions... strong as any natural force on earth... his name… respected. The Alias family appreciates the love and kindness that you have shown during this difficult time. Your generosity will always be treasured and never forgotten.
Selected Discography:
Stone Alliance, Live in Buenos Aires (Mambo Maniacs, 2006)
Stone Alliance, Live in Bremen (Mambo Maniacs, 2005)
Bill Frisell, Unspeakable (Nonesuch, 2004)
Various Artists, Mysterious Voyage: A Tribute to Weather Report (Tone Center/ESC, 2005)
Mike Stern, These Times (ESC, 2004)
James Moody, Homage (Savoy Jazz, 2004)
David Sanborn, Time Again (GRP, 2004)
Carla Bley, Looking for America (Watt/ECM, 2003)
Jane Monheit, In the Sun (N2K, 2002)
Bill Evans, Soul Insider (ESC, 2001)
Barbara Dennerlein, Outhipped (Verve, 2000)
Don Grolnick Group, London Concert (Fuzzy Music, 2000)
Howard Mandel, Future Jazz (Knitting Factory, 1999)
Michael Brecker, Two Blocks from the Edge (Impulse!, 1997)
Uri Caine, Toys (JMT, 1996; reissued on Winter&Winter)
Jack DeJohnette, Oneness (ECM, 1996)
Steve Khan, Got My Mental (Evidence, 1996; reissued ESC, 2006)
John Scofield, Groove Elation (Blue Note, 1995)
Herbie Hancock, The New Standard (Verve, 1995)
Joe Lovano, Tenor Legacy (Blue Note, 1993)
The Brecker Brothers, Return of the Brecker Brothers (GRP, 1992)
Steve Swallow, Swallow (XtraWatt/ECM, 1991)
James Taylor, New Moon Shine (Columbia, 1991)
Michael Brecker, Now You See It...Now You Don't (GRP, 1990)
Gil Goldstein, City of Dreams (Blue Note, 1989)
Miles Davis, Amandla (Warner Bros., 1989)
John Scofield, Loud Jazz (Gramavision, 1987)
Jaco Pastorius, Invitation (Warner Bros., 1983)
Chick Corea, Again and Again (Elektra, 1982)
Joni Mitchell, Shadows and Light (Asylum, 1980)
Joni Mitchell, Don Juan's Reckless Daughter (Asylum, 1977)
Chick Corea, My Spanish Heart (Polydor, 1976)
Jaco Pastorius, Jaco Pastorius (Epic, 1976)
Dave Liebman, Lookout Farm (ECM, 1973)
Miles Davis, On the Corner (Columbia, 1972)
Miles Davis, Bitches Brew (Columbia, 1969)
