WHO ARE YOU?

Cecil Alexander is a guitarist, composer, and arranger whose musical voice is deeply rooted in jazz, blues, and R&B. Known for his versatility, expressive playing, and sophisticated approach to improvisation, Alexander draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Jimi Hendrix, George Benson, John Coltrane, Albert King, and Grant Green.

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Composition in 2016, Alexander went on to receive his Master of Music in Jazz Performance from William Paterson University in 2019.

Alexander has earned recognition in several prestigious international guitar competitions. He won first place in both the 2017 Wilson Center Jazz Guitar Competition and the 2018 Lee Ritenour Six String Theory Competition. In 2019, he was named a finalist in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Guitar Competition, further establishing himself as a distinctive voice among contemporary jazz guitarists.

Throughout his career, Alexander has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of acclaimed musicians, including Bill Charlap, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott), Antonio Hart, Lee Pearson, Luis Perdomo, Nathan East, and Steve LaSpina.

In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Alexander is an experienced educator. From 2021 to 2023, he served as Assistant Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music. He has also held faculty positions at UCLA's Global Jazz Studies program and Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Alexander is signed to Heartcore Records, the Berlin-based label founded by renowned guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. His debut album for the label, Introducing Cecil Alexander, was released on September 23, 2022, showcasing his musical identity as both a guitarist and composer.

Expanding his discography, Alexander has released two collaborative albums with vocalist and pianist Ari Alexander: Duos (2023), an intimate exploration of the duo format, and Kaleidoscope (2026), a quartet recording rooted in the post-bop tradition.

Through his work as a performer, composer, recording artist, and educator, Alexander continues to explore the intersection of jazz tradition and contemporary expression, bringing a personal voice to every musical setting.