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HELP ME RELEASE MY ALBUM SO I CAN TO GO DRAMA SCHOOL !!!
Alex says, “Millions of kids like me, 17, are facing college tuition fees of between 40 to 60 thousand dollars – per year. I have a passion for both music and acting. I’ve done some commercials, TV and small films. I even got the opportunity to work with Francis Ford Coppola, who inspired me even more – in fact he blew my mind! He made me aware that I have so much more to learn, and the best way to get the knowledge I need is to go to a great drama school.
It’s great that I’ve already been accepted at two great drama schools, and I have more auditions coming up soon. BUT we have a rather limited income and I know that even with scholarships, I’ll never be able to afford the enormous tuition fees.
So, I came up with a frankly insane idea.
After a lifetime of playing pop, jazz and R&B standards, I started writing my own music. And I’m amazed that some of the world’s most awesome musicians have decided to help me by playing on the album.
It’s sounding A-MAZING!
But to release it, I need to do a showcase gig and live video at the Catalina Jazz Club in LA. And I NEED YOUR HELP to get me there – to book the club, hire the musicians and make the video. This will give the album the sales kick-start it needs to help me with college!
So please, pledge what you can today. The rewards for investors are nice. But the best reward is that you’ll be helping this kid follow his dream.”
This is the album cover !!!
And these are the amazing guest artists who have liked my music enough to donate their time and incredible talent!
Richard Niles ♡ Composer/arranger/producer. Niles credits include work with Paul McCartney, James Brown, Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, Cher, Tina Turner and the Pet Shop Boys. Jazz credits include Pat Metheny, Bob Mintzer, John Patitucci, Jane Monheit and Bob James. More info: www.richardniles.com
Martin Taylor (MBE) ♡ Grammy nominated Martin has many British Jazz Awards and deserves more. Pat Metheny says he is, “one of the most awesome solo guitar players in the history of the instrument.” He’s also a brilliant composer and educator. More info: www.martintaylor.com
Blake Aaron ♡ Electrifying guitarist Blake is a true virtuoso playing every style with passion. He is always on jazz radio not only because his tunes are catchy, but he’s also got his own radio show! His recent #1 “Groovers & Shakers” and his current Billboard #1 “Fall For You” are the latest in a string of hits. More info: www.blakeaaron.com
Nigel Hitchcock ♡ Many people say British multi-award winning Nigel Hitchcock is the most stunning saxophone players of all time – people like his ‘clients’ Ray Charles, James Brown, Incognito and Mark Knopfler. Whether he’s performing his own music or playing with MaxSax or the NDR Big Band, you’ll be amazed. More info: www.nigelhitchcock.com
Danny Gottlieb ♡ 4x Grammy winner Danny is a constant surprise on the drums. A founder member of The Pat Metheny Group, he has performed with Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jack Bruce, Gary Burton, Sting, Booker T & the MGs, Gil Evans, The Blues Brothers and The Lt. Dan Band led by Gary Sinise.
Ian Palmer ♡ Ian is a drummer with both mind-blowing technique and unerring taste. He has performed worldwide with artists including Randy Brecker, Martin Taylor, Alan Skidmore Georgie Fame, Ray Russell and Richard Niles’ BANDZILLA. More info: www.ianpalmer.com
John Thirkell ♡ Not many people know John began his career as ‘jazz chair’ with Buddy Rich. His trumpet and flugelhorn has since been heard on recordings by Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Jamiroquai, Swing Out Sister, David Bowie, George Michael, Pet Shop Boys and on the worldwide smash “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars. Tone, taste and groove – and a very nice man! More info: www.johnnythirkell.com
Claire Martin OBE ♡ 8x winner of the British Jazz Awards and The BASCA Gold Badge, Claire has performed worldwide. She has the ability to sing like an angel and swing like a barn door in a hurricane! She is the treasure you find at the end of a jazzy rainbow! More info: www.clairemartinjazz.com
And here is the back cover of the album !!!
The BUDGET – $7,000
We have already recorded the album using what money we had and the generosity of the wonderful guest artists above ♡ but to release the album independently will require help from YOU. ♡ The SHOWCASE GIG will give us the crucial PROMOTION to Kickstart Alex’s career. Apart from the running costs, our goal of $7,000 will pay for…
PRESSING & DISTRIBUTION – physical CD’s and digital platforms. (“Stretch Goals”, depending on amount raised, may include a limited vinyl release and will be shipped out to the highest paying backers (until they’re gone)).
BOOKING THE CATALINA JAZZ CLUB – I’ve played here before, opening for The Wrecking Crew, jamming with members of the band, Chuck Berghofer and Paul Kriebich. All of the biggest names in jazz perform here. This is my DREAM club. Help make my dream come true!
MAKING A VIDEO OF THE GIG – Some of you will be able to see the gig live. But I want to do a video so you can all see this fantastic event!
MUSICIAN’S FEES – Musicians are artists, but they like to eat when they do gigs. We love paying them for their incredible talent!
SUBMISSION for the 2020 – 2021 Grammy’s – We feel Alex’s album is deserving of a Grammy award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album, Best Improvised Solo, Best Instrumental Composition, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical). We will be submitting for the 2021 Awards ceremony.
STRETCH GOALS – If we get more than our $7000 goal we will have the following ‘stretch goals’ depending on how much we have: 1. LIMITED VINYL RELEASE 2. More SHOWCASE GIGS in San Francisco, New York City, New Orleans and… beyond!!! All MONEY raised will be spent wisely on funding the project.
We are so grateful that you are offering your hard-earned cash to help us get Alex’s career to the next level. We have experienced management, a well-thought out plan and a realistic goal. But the music business has so many variables that we can’t guarantee anything except that we will release the album, we will perform and make a video of that live performance and send you your rewards! We will keep you informed at every step of the process and welcome your ideas and suggestions! Alex wants to hear from you!!! ♡