Alex Clough

Alex Clough is a pianist, educator and composer born and bred in Brooklyn,NY. Exposed early on to great music, Alex took an interest in the piano and drums as a child, eventually taking lessons and participating as a high schooler in the All City Concert Band and NJPAC's prestigious Jazz for Teens Program. After graduating with a B.A. from Tufts University in Economics and International Relations and an M.M. from SUNY Purchase in Jazz Studies, Alex embarked on a still-unfolding journey to find his place in New York City's world famous jazz scene.

Over the years, Alex has pursued numerous musical interests. As both sideman and leader he has played at a wide array of great venues, including Birdland, Lincoln Center, the United Nations, le Poisson Rouge, SOBs, the Rainbow Room, Cornelia Street Cafe, Rockwood Musical Hall and Joe's Pub. He has served as musical director for Nightingale Jazz Band, Recovery House of Worship and jazz and opera vocalist marie-claire giraud.

Other pursuits include steady accompaniment work for the Metropolitan Opera Guild, dance accompaniment at Mark Morris Dance Group, NYU, Mason Gross School of the Arts and Montclair State University, and sideman work with stylistically eclectic music groups in New York City, playing styles that range from instrumental jazz to burlesque to hip hop to Iranian punk rock.

After spending significant time honing his craft, Alex has stepped out over the past couple of years as a leader. His debut album “near, far, beyond” a collection of 8 originals reflecting Alex's world travels and musical experiences, was released in October 2018 to critical acclaim. The album features David Smith on trumpet, Steve Kortyka on tenor saxophone, Jay Sawyer on drums and John Tate on bass. Alex is also member of a Just Play!, an interactive trio featuring Steve Whipple on bass and Peter Traunmueller on drums that brings a collaborative approach and energy to playing jazz standards and other material.

Alex currently resides in Jersey City, New Jersey.