JACKIE MCLEAN, JAKI BYARD, Hotep Idris Galeta, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell,
and ALL GREAT MUSICIANS/COMPOSERS that came before me.
GOOD Music has no labels.
ALL THE PROPHETS,
ALL THE SAINTS,
ALL LEADERS OF GOOD
Sounds Like
I try to sound HONEST and BEAUTIFUL.
I am communicating more with myself and hopefully with others.
All Praise to GOD.
Alan Jay Palmer was born in Washington D.C. and attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Alan grew up playing in Go Go and Fusion bands and was first exposed to Jazz piano through his first teacher John Malachi and performing in Lettumplay. After high school, Alan attended the Hartt Conservatory in the African-American Music Department. While at Hartt he studied piano/orchestration from Jaki Byard and Hotep Galeta. It was also the start of a close spiritual working relationship with the master alto saxophonist/educator, Jackie McLean. Alan became Jackie's closest disciple and assistant in African- American Music History. During his senior year at Hartt Alan joined The Jackie McLean Quintet and toured Europe and Japan with the band. He also recorded his debut album with Jackie McLean on "Rhythm of the Earth" contributing four original compositions. He was the first student ever entrusted to teach Jackie McLean's famous course "The Origin of Man and Music." Jackie McLean said of his disciple, "Alan is a very talented composer, his songs are beautiful and original." " His piano style is fresh yet you can hear his heroes Monk, Bud and Ellington whispering in his ear." Alan Jay Palmer stayed with Jackie as his pianist, composer, assistant and best friend until the masters transition in 2006.
Alan Jay Palmer's concept as a Composer has developed and evolved into a true contribution to the Language of African-American Music.
Alan has also played in the bands and performed w/ Common, Abraham Burton, Rene McLean, Roy Hargrove, Jack DeJohnette, Frank Morgan Quartet, Stefon Haris , Kenny Garrett , Frank Foster Loud Minority, Reggie Workman Ensemble, Bobby Hutcherson, Milt Jackson, Billy Higgins, Curtis Fuller, Ray Drummond, Butch Warren, Wallace Roney, Slide Hampton, Benny Golson, Nicky Marerro, Sadao Watanabe, Wynton Marsalis, Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Mos Def, Talib Kwele, Mista Sinista, Russell Gunn, Erika Badu, Rahzel, Bruce Williams, Keyon Harrell, Willie Williams, Rudy Walker, and many other fine artists.
A talented actor, Alan recently performed in the Living Theatre's revival of Jack Gelber's play THE CONNECTION, also contributing new music.
Alan Jay Palmer is the founder of THE NU SOIL BAND which is a large ensemble mixing many musical influences, exploring new concepts in Jazz while remaining rooted through understanding Black Music's history and tradition. His TRIO plays newly composed music. and the classics with fresh arrangements. "Music is what we DO as HUMANS. it is at the CENTER of our CULTURE" confirms Alan Jay Palmer.
A dedicated Educator Alan has taught music to thousands of students and continues to conduct workshops and masterclasses throughout the world.
