Kickstarter

My vision for this music is to create a platform for the listener to appreciate composition and improvisation side by side. The players I chose for this record I not only chose for the rapport that has come from years of making music together, but specifically for the choices they make as improvisers and collaborators. I know that in them I can find engaged, strong, thoughtful, and heartfelt interpretations of the material. The material itself is an attempt at redirecting that which inspires me about good music into original creations. Those qualities that attract me are strong melodies that suggest a story, engaging arrangements of harmony and rhythm, and a healthy dose of the unexpected. My wish is that music lovers of all types can find something in this music with which to connect.

Since my college years at the New School, I've had a penchant for composing music, and this record is a culmination of years of effort at the old piano, writing tunes whenever I had the time. I decided to make this record after many inspiring experiences in the last two years, listening to my peers and the beautiful music they're making. I wanted to be a part of that, and I only hope that my contribution is well-received and passes on some of that inspiration to others.

All of the members of this band are colleagues with whom I've been connected for years; in short, they are my ideal band, and I am so blessed that they were all able to lend their tremendous talent. Look up any one of them, and you'll find the trails of greatness that they've left in their wake.

Although my video is a little goofy, in all seriousness, I take this project very seriously and I have great ambitions as to its success. Helping me print discs is a no-brainer: I need inventory to get this recording out there. But paying for publicity is something that perhaps not everyone would see the importance of at first. The reason that I'm raising money for this purpose is that I believe in this record to the extent that going it alone wouldn't do it the service that I feel it deserves. In order to reach a wider audience, hiring someone to help me get my record out in the press is vital. A publicist would have contacts and experience in the industry that I could never touch, and could get my album valuable reviews in various publications, such as All About Jazz, the New York City Jazz Record, perhaps even the New York Times, online music journals, and more. I would also get help getting my songs radio play, as the publicist would have contacts with all kinds of radio stations. Finally, with my CD release date set August 10, the publicist would work about a month in advance of the release date, garnering buzz and sending press releases. He/she would continue to work after the release to ensure that it is still being exposed to those whose ears I'd want to perk up. Another result of this press would be further performance bookings in New York venues, and tours. Perhaps the publicity would help bring us to your home town!!

I would like to add that this album is fortunate enough to have label representation, through a very cool independent label called Nowt Records, which is owned and operated by bassist and composer Aryeh Kobrinsky. Unfortunately, Nowt does not have the money to fund its artists' CD production or publicity, but acts as more of a home-base on the internet for its artists; a place to coordinate shows and sell CD's.

So this is where you come in: you can help me get this record out there, both in your hands and ears, and those of the industry. Please consider donating today. If you'd like some music to listen to before you make your decision, I don't blame you. I love this record, but you haven't heard it yet! You can visit alexwyatt.net, click on "listen", and the first couple of tracks on the page are from my new record, and they are labeled as such, so there's no confusion. Also, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on the progress of this project, so you know where your money is going!!

Thanks so very much for your support!!!!

Alex