New York-based pianist Alex Bugnon has been a prolific force, an energetic musician, composer and bandleader on the contemporary music scene for almost three decades. Jazz Times calls his work a “unique mix of visceral rhythm and blues and heady modern romance with a notable absence of smooth jazz clichés.”

Alex has recorded hit R&B and contemporary jazz albums and performed at top venues here and abroad, including the famous festival in his birthplace Montreux, Switzerland. No doubt, the annual convergence in his hometown of some of music’s most illustrious names played a role in his decision to pursue a musical career, as did his early friendship with Herbie Hancock. The fact that his uncle was the legendary Donald Byrd only served to further his decision.

It was no coincidence that Alex was embraced by an R&B/soul audience, after all his love of music was rooted in an appreciation and understanding of classic jazz and soul-based artists, Horace Silver to Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk to Ahmad Jamal and from Art Blakey to Earth, Wind and Fire.” This was his inspiration and it easily translated into his own compositions and in his delivery of the standards.