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old news

Instruments of Mass Pleasure continues to make waves in the sea of big bands. I'm proud of everyone who worked on the album and grateful for their contributions. Released by OA2 Records, the album showcases original compositions, arrangements and a cohesiveness that comes from 10 years of playing together. Read reviews
The album is available for download on iTunes and eMusic.com.

Click the Buy Now button to securely purchase the album through PayPal. It will be sent right away. I'll pay the shipping.

Biography

Alex Budman is an active musician of 20 years with performing experience on all saxophones, clarinets, flutes, electric and acoustic basses.  His versatility has allowed him to perform and record with a wide range of artists including Liza Minnelli, Rosemary Clooney, Erykah Badu, Boz Scaggs, Eric Clapton, Bettye LaVette, The Funk Brothers, Wendy and Lisa, Busta Rhymes, Jesús Díaz, Glide Memorial Church Band and the San Jose Symphony. 

As a bandleader in the San Francisco Bay Area, Alex directed his 16-piece Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, playing more than 300 shows and recording two albums.  The second, Instruments of Mass Pleasure, was released in 2005 to critical acclaim.  Since his move to Los Angeles, Alex has been in heavy demand as a sideman and soloist, playing jazz, funk, pop, hip-hop and classical—all with a style of his own.

Most recently, Alex started up an exciting big band with composer/trombonist Jeremy Levy. He can also be found playing in the big bands of Clare Fischer, Kim Richmond, Steve Huffsteter, Ron King, Bruce Lofgren, Roger Neumann and Tim Davies. In addition, Alex can be see with ground-breaking punk/lounge/performance artists The Fuxedos.

photo by David Carlson

Old news:

11/9/07

Exciting show at the Wiltern! On November 15, I'll have the opportunity to join some heroes of funk, soul and pop for a night to remember. This benefit concert is sponsored by Artists for a New South Africa. I'll be onstage with Erikah Badu, Wendy Melvoin, Doyle Bramhall, Questlove, Nikka Costa and many others.

Big band debut--September 10th!!!
It's really happening! I've teamed up with trombonist/composer/arranger Jeremy Levy to bring Los Angeles a fresh, new sound. Our show is taking place at Land in downtown LA. We hit at 9pm and the cover is only $8 to see this 17-piece ensemble. Don't miss it.

June 18

My Electric Quartet this Friday at Mr. B's!! It's true, I'm hitting the club scene with a highly creative group on June 23rd. Lots of improvisation and soundscapes as well as some cool jazz and funky stuff. We're featuring two great keyboard players-- Leonard Thompson and Noel Melanio along with the creative drumming of Jason Harnell.

May 29

Just finished some work on the forthcoming holiday album by crooner Richard Cheese. If you're not hip to his (often foul-mouthed) lounge versions of popular songs, your life is incomplete! Look for a CD release near the end of September.

May 10

My latest album with the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra is now available on iTunes. Personally, I think you should own the full album with the art, liner notes and pictures of 20 handsome gentlemen, but go ahead and check out the download site if you must!

The album was just reviewed by Saxophone Journal. They liked it a lot! I posted a snippet on the CJO "press" page.

May 5, 2006

Just landed back in North Hollywood after cruising 12 days in the Caribbean aboard the MSC Lirica. Sunburns for everyone! Played with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Orchestra, dynamic being the operable word. We recreated the big band sounds of Harry James, Glenn Miller and I got to be Benny Goodman.

April 18, 2006

Spent a great week in the Bay Area-- celebrated the 9-year anniversary of the band Cannonball in Petaluma with all the usual suspects: Paul Spina, Ryan Newman, David Chachere, Joe Cohen, Rita Thies, Marcus Urani and Sir Adam Theis. Also played three rockin' services at a packed Glide Church Easter Sunday. Apparently I made the evening news with a whole second of screen time! Capped off my trip at Jazz at the Pearl's with the CJO. The band sounded great with Vince Lateano on drums and the amazing Kenny Washington, whose vocals are the biggest kept secret in the music business.
And have you heard the new album????