Meet Saxophonist & Vandoren UK Artist Alex Clarke

Introducing jazz saxophonist Alex Clarke as a Vandoren Artist!

Alex is proud to be joining the roster of Vandoren Artists - we took the opportunity to chat to Alex about background, her musical influences and Vandoren setup.

Welcome to the Vandoren family Alex! ✌

 

"One of the UK's finest young jazz talents" The Jazz Rag

 

"strong and full sound... swinging, melodic and refreshingly cliché-free" Jazz Views

 

“Comfortable and inspired” Scott Hamilton

 

As a finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020, winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards and nominee in the Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2021 & ‘22, Alex is known to be one of the most in-demand and versatile young saxophonists to have emerged on the British jazz scene. Praised for her extensive repertoire list and intelligent ear for harmony, she brings a youthful, intuitive approach which sounds authentic in a variety of musical settings from New Orleans to bebop. Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of jazz; her deep respect for the heritage of the music can be heard in an honest, melodic approach with strong influences of Phil Woods, Sonny Stitt and Cannonball Adderley. The Alex Clarke Quartet features some of the finest names in British Jazz, namely David Newton, Dave Green and Clark Tracey. In Summer 2022, they released their latest album 'Only A Year'.

As well as leading her own quartet, Alex works with many bands up and down the country, performing alongside notable names such as Alan Barnes, Bruce Adams, Enrico Tomasso, Greg Abate and Art Themen. Additionally, Alex regularly works with the highly acclaimed jazz, blues and country vocalist/pianist TJ Johnson. As well as small group playing, Alex has worked with a variety of big bands, including the Simon Spillett Big Band and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Additionally, she is a regular member of the highly popular Jake Leg Jug Band who perform authentic 1920's & 30's prohibition jazz and blues. As a session musician and multi-instrumentalist – saxophones, flute and clarinet – Alex has recorded for projects ranging from folk to Northern soul, including recent sessions at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London. As an educator, Alex has worked at Warwick School for 3 years, as well as tutoring on Summer Schools and Saxophone Days across the country. She is also an alumni of the National Youth Jazz Collective and has subsequently returned as a tutor for NYJC.

Alex's favourite Vandoren products

VANDOREN RED JAVA SAXOPHONE REEDS	VANDOREN V12 Bb CLARINET REEDS	VANDOREN 5JB CLARINET MOUTHPIECE

VANDOREN STRAP BAR	VANDOREN OPTIMUM CLARINET LIGATURE	VANDOREN SAXOPHONE STRAP