Cruisin' and All That Jazz with Alex Churchill

In today's episode, Carl interviews New Zealand-born saxophonist, flutist, and pianist Alex Churchill. They talk about R&B and Smooth Jazz, working with other jazz artists, and how they both fell in love with the genre. Alex goes on to discuss the many instruments he plays and how they differ in terms of inspiration.

Alex describes his current career, his long-term plans, and his extensive experience in the cruise ship industry. Having recently been promoted to musical director, Alex also discusses the process he uses to choose the songs he covers and how he creates his original music. Carl and Alex talk about working in a studio and on stage, sipping wine or whiskey, and consuming dark chocolate.  Tune in to hear Alex play a brilliant song from his recently released album.

Episode Highlights

11:35 - I'm going to be spending a lot of time in Miami and it's starting in 2023. So, that's another stepping stone I think is going to help me. I'm going to be in the United States a lot more. I'm still working on my visa status right now.

18:57 - For example, for Alicia Keys and Un-thinkable, Alicia Keys is a huge favorite of mine and I've just always been a huge fan. It's probably my favorite song from her. Again, it just comes back down to me and just what resonates with me the most. It's just a beautiful song and the lyrics. And I really just try to emulate that when I play the saxophone.

22:19 - I think performing for me, there's just no greater feeling. You know when you can feel the energy from the audience, you can see what their reaction is, you can feel their reaction. Even if it's a small club with like 50 people, or if I'm in a theater where there are like about a thousand people.

29:16 - Over the years, every time I heard a song that I absolutely loved and I felt, with the lyrics especially, that I had a really strong connection with, it's not really like, "Oh, I like that song. Let's let's record that one." It has something that I can personally connect with the song, whether it is a life experience or something I'm particularly going through. So, that's where I draw the inspiration for that.

41:49 - I'm always going to be the nicest person, the best person I can possibly be. I'm always going to give my 100%, all of what I've got when I'm on the stage.

Contact

Fresh Coast Jazz FestivalAlex Churchill