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Darryl Alexander Sr Hits Up The Burgh With "Transitions"

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Darryl Alexander Sr.
Producer/Drummer/Composer Darryl Alexander Sr. has an upcoming release of his new contemporary jazz recording, Transitions, “featuring 11 energetic and exciting new songs that are a melting pot of jazz, funk, r&b, hip hop, samba, and rock and features performances by a trio of Pittsburgh, PA favorite musicians. The first track, On E. Street is a favorite of DJ Funky (Jeff Fuller) and will certainly get you on the dance floor. An earthy acoustic piano theme supported by funky guitar and in the pocket bass provides the drive in this song. Hey Senorita is lyrical modern samba with interplay between soprano sax (Kenny Blake), acoustic piano (Brett Williams), and guitar (Ken Karsh). Think About It ventures into hip hop territory, featuring very soulful tenor sax work by Joe Graziosi, and No Turning Back features melodic counterpoint between the piano and tenor sax. Blake, Williams, Karsh, along with Fred Ervin, Wilber Krebs, Pete Tokar, John Madgett, and Joe Graziosi provide inspired accompaniment to each song.

“What I most enjoy about working with this group is that there is a lightheartedness in their soul, and it comes out in their performances,” says Darryl. I remember Kenny Blake saying one day in the studio that EMS personnel see some pretty horrific things every day. As artists we have an opportunity to make someone’s day just a little bit lighter, little bit easier, even if just for a moment.

“One of the most enjoyable performances was with Ken Karsh, Kenny Blake, Pete Tokar and Wilber Krebs at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation National Loss Conference. It truly was a blessing to be able to contribute to the important work and mission of this noteworthy foundation,” says Darryl. The highlights of this evening were the ensemble improvisation of two songs (This Masquerade, a Marcus Miller selection, along with a set ending performance of Darryl’s song Café Rio.

Very interesting is the fact that during his college years (Kent State University) the first band that Darryl was a member of (Love, Life, and Light) featured In Living Color comedian AJ Jamal on keyboards and renown poet and KSU professor Mwatabu Okantah on percussion and lead vocals.

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