Bio

last updated: September 1, 2007

 

Alex Heitlinger is a rising star among New York's plethora of outstanding trombonist/composers.  Blogger and composer Darcy Argue describes his music as "...very much in the exploratory spirit of Booker Little's amazing early 1960's sextet... melodic and sonorous, full of appealing hooks and rich harmonies." His debut release, "Green Light" which features legendary pianist Art Lande and virtuostic trumpeter Greg Gisbert, recieved critical praise and national radio airplay. All About Jazz calls it "an engaging album that brings Heitlinger to light as a composer and player to watch." His second album, recently recorded & due to be released in '08, features more original music for a new sextet including trumpeter Shane Endsley, pianist Erik Deutsch, drummer Tony Moreno, clarinetist- saxophonist Mike McGinnis & bassist Matt Clohesy.

In addition to working with his own band, Heitlinger continues to be involved with many other projects. In September-October, 2007 he completed a tour of Madagascar with the afro jazz project, Fikira, performing and teaching workshops throughout the country.  He also recently performed on "Unfailing Kindness" the debut recording of big band composer Chie Imaizumi which features the talents of Ron Miles, Gary Smulyan, Greg Gisbert, John Gunther & many others and is available from Capri Records.  He is a regular member of the Cuban timba band, La Bola and a frequent guest/sideman with Travis Sullivan's Bjorkestra, Darcy Argue's Secret Society, Erik Deutsch's Fingerprint, Ochun, Choco Orta, the Afroyorkers, and many more.

Heitlinger received a BM in trombone performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder with high honors. While a student, he co-founded and directed "The Coalition for Creative Music" a non-profit concert series which still presents innovative and interesting concerts.