Cheryl Alex and Clay Giberson play at Vino Veritas
An innovative voice in the contemporary jazz scene of the Pacific Northwest, pianist and composer Clay Giberson is part of a new generation that is redefining jazz. Emotionally compelling, the music grooves as much as it dazzles with harmony, lyricism and rhythmic intricacy. Giberson’s performances convey a deep appreciation of structure and form but pay equal tribute to the pulse and sonic landscape that frame his musical ideas. Clay’s musical personality owes something to his childhood spent on a farm in Woodland, Washington. His mother, a classical piano teacher, infused his early life with music and he grew up both in the fields and at the piano. He studied jazz piano at the University of Miami and later established himself in New York where he also earned a Master’s degree in music technology. He has performed throughout Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, Caribbean and Japan. Clay currently resides in Portland, Oregon where he teaches, records, produces and performs.
One of the best kept secrets of the Northwest jazz scene, flutist/vocalist/pianist, Cheryl Alex has been central among the region's jazz community for over twenty years, appearing regularly and recording with luminaries such as Nancy King, Randy Porter, Leroy Vinegar, Lawrence Williams and most notably guitar wizard Jerry Hahn. At home with a wide range of styles, from straight-ahead bebop to tender ballads, Cheryl's versatility shows a masterful command of her instruments (alto flute and concert C flute.) Influenced in her early years by the music of Herbie Mann, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Ella Fitzgerald and Carole King, Cheryl's original compositions reflect a deep harmonic sense with memorable melodies and Latin influences. With the release of her CD "Take My Time", Cheryl has begun to reach an international audience with her flair for the flute, amazing dead-ahead chops and heartfelt vocals. "Your wish for a different jazz voice will also be satisfied," wrote critic Lynn Darroch of the Oregonian, "with a sound more akin to Joni Mitchell than Sarah Vaughan." Besides performing and recording, Cheryl also maintains a solid teaching schedule offering instruction in flute, piano and voice. She also teaches vocal jazz workshops with 3 time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, Nancy King.
