ABOUT ALEX

Alex Goodyear is a UK based Drummer, Bandleader and Composer.

 

Based in Reading, Berkshire, Alex had a great deal of musical influence from his grandfather “Freddie G”, a professional Jazz Bassist, Trombonist, vocalist and Arranger in the South East Scene. From there, at the age of 6, he starting learning drum-kit and percussion with Mike Creech.

 

Alex was fortunate enough to be part of “Berkshire Maestros”, a fantastic education hub where he trained both in classical percussion and drum-kit under Mike Creech and Andy Leask, as well performing in numerous chamber groups, orchestras and big bands. After Berkshire Maestros, Alex then studied for his undergraduate degree in Jazz Drums at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he learnt under the tutelage of Martin France, James Maddren, Joshua Blackmore and Elliot Bennett.

 

During his time at college, Alex attended the 2016 Brubeck Jazz Summer School in San Francisco, working with a range of international students and artists including Stefon Harris, Obed Calvaire, Miguel Zenon, Matt Penman, Warren Wolf, and David Sanchez. This opportunity was kindly provided by NYJO, with whom Alex was a member with between 2016-2018 playing in various ensembles and depping for the main big band.

 

Since graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019, he has returned to Berkshire and has become a regular of the UK Jazz scene, working with artists including John Law, Simon Spillett, Iain Ballamy, Sam Crockatt, Alex Merritt, Steve Fishwick, Greg Abate, Jake McMurchie, Denny Ilett, Alan Barnes, Huw Warren, George Cooper, Rebecca Nash, Libor Smoldas, Nick Malcolm, and Henrik Jensen.

 

Alex’s current projects include:

 

• John Law’s “Re-Creations” Quartet

• “Yetii”, a Classical-Jazz fused project co-led by Alex Veitch and Ashley John Long

• “Energizer” Trio, co-led by Alex Merritt on sax and Ashley John Long on bass.

• “Bluprint”, a funk trio led by Daniel Newberry, featuring Guy Shotton on Organ.