To rise, to resist; to relinquish, to carry on
The ghosts of the past still remain
Resilience paves a path to uncertainty
For what may never come
Hardships merely strengthen
While the weak fall beneath
The last one standing; the drive to reach
For what may never come
They said to resign, to raise the white flag
Align with the shadows and fade away
Daybreak leads to renewed belief
For what may never come
Alexander Cross is a jazz pianist currently based in Philadelphia, PA. Originally from Wallingford, Connecticut, Alex took to music at a rather young age due to influences from his musical family. At the age of four, he began taking classical piano lessons and continued for the next 13 years. In high school, Alex took an interest in jazz and immediately started taking jazz piano lessons.
Drawing inspiration from greats such as Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans and Kenny Barron, Alex decided to further his craft at the collegiate level. He is a recent graduate of the undergraduate jazz performance program at Temple University. Alex studied privately with Bruce Barth and Thomas Lawton during his time at Temple. He has also had the opportunity to work with Tim Warfield, John Swana, Greg Kettinger, Mike Boone, Terell Stafford and numerous others.
Alexander Cross has created a debut record combining influences from numerous musical styles to suit his sound. "For What May Never Come" has everything from straight forward jazz compositions to rock oriented influences through a unique use of numerous keyboard layers. With plenty of adventurous and unexpected twists and turns, there's a little something for everyone.
credits
released June 17, 2016
Alexander Cross: Piano (1-3, 5-8), Keyboard (4, 9), Microkorg Synth (1, 4, 9), Vocoder (1)
Jack Synoski: Upright Bass (1, 2, 4, 7), Electric Bass (9)
Drew Gaunce: Upright Bass (3, 5, 6, 8), Electric Bass (1)
Phil Arrington: Drums (all tracks), Additional Percussion (9)
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Sean Bailey at Boyer Recording Studios
Cover photography by Skyler Hagner
Tracks 1, 3, 5, 6 and 9: written and arranged by Alexander Cross
Track 2: written by Herbie Hancock; arranged by Alexander Cross
Track 4: written by Wayne Shorter; arranged by Alexander Cross
Track 7: written by Thelonious Monk; arranged by Phil Arrington and Jack Synoski
Track 8: written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin and Shellback; arranged by Alexander Cross
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Thanks: My wonderful bandmates: Jack Synoski, Drew Gaunce and Phil Arrington: for being truly amazing friends, bringing this music to life and inspiring me on a daily basis. Sean Bailey, for doing an incredible job with the production of this record and sharing in my musical vision. My parents, Sue and Dan Cross: for consistently supporting me and believing in my musical aspirations. All of my grandparents: Milt and Peg Zoellner, Lionel and Julie Cross- for always being there for me. My uncle, Mike Zoellner, for being my fitness inspiration. Bruce Barth, Thomas Lawton, Rex Cadwallader, and Mary Bloom for shaping me to be the pianist and musician that I am today. Kathy and Fred Giampetro. Miles Applebaum. Erin Fitzgerald for always being wonderful and putting up with my stubbornness. Eric Richter, Mike Racine, Jeffrey Herrera, Kat Siciliano, Skyler Hagner and ALL of my other friends who I am so thankful for (there are far too many to list). My "rock genre" musical brothers in Auburn Row. The faculty and staff of the Temple University Jazz Department. Drexel University's Arts Administration Graduate Program. And of course: Thank you to Herbie Hancock, Myles Kennedy, Bill Evans and so many others for giving me a reason to make music in the first place.
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