Alexander Nettelbeck
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Alexander Nettelbeck /Biography
Pianist, keyboardist, composer and producer, Alexander Nettelbeck has recorded and performed in Australia, Europe, Asia and New Zealand with a diverse variety of artists including Kate Ceberano, Ju Ju Space Jazz, Triple J unearthed winner, Vassy, Pete Hemsley’s Sons Of Invention, Aleeoop! and Deni Hines. Alexander’s original compositions have featured in dance/ theatre productions, in film& television including just-released feature documentary " Music Of The Brain", Network Seven's ‘All Saints’ and radio throughout the world.
Born in Oakland, California, Alexander Nettelbeck began playing from a young age, learning classical piano whilst getting some valuable schooling through family record collections, community gatherings, jam sessions and concerts in Australia, North America and Europe.
During this time, Alexander began establishing directions in jazz and improvisational ensemble performance, as both soloist and accompanist. Alexander studied at the Victorian College Of The Arts in Melbourne, and has worked closely with teacher/mentors over the years including Deidre Vadas, Bob Sedergreen, Tony Gould, Alan Zavod and Agrita Klauvert.
Alexander started out working as a session keyboardist on albums, singles and jingles at Metropolis Studio and Platinum Studios in Melbourne, and Studio 301 in Sydney. He briefly joined new wave group The Manikins, playing and recording for CBS Records. This period opened the door to the developing world of recording technology and MIDI sequencing and keyboards such as Roland, Yamaha and Oberheim in combination with the acoustic piano, and the more classic sounds of the Hammond, Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes.
These early days provided a chance to learn from some of the best, most innovative producers of Australian music from around the world. Working on full album productions with both analogue and new technologies alongside the more traditional rhythm sections, horn sections and strings ensembles, provided the opportunity to explore many and varied musical possibilities. At the same time the jazz, punk, reggae, hip hop, electric funk and industrial European-based art movements were colliding in a way that had yet to be heard by the wider public.
As solo pianist and band leader Alexander has held several successful long-term residencies at hotels and music clubs in Melbourne and Sydney, and has often been invited to play at awards events and private functions both at home in Australia and overseas
As band member, keyboardist and musical director Alexander has performed on headlining tours of festivals and clubs in Australia, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. He has played and recorded with Aleeoop!, Vassy, Deni Hines, Ju Ju Space Jazz, Pete Hemsley’s Sons Of Invention, Harry’s Laundry, Kate Ceberano, Vika and Linda, Phil Ceberano, Michael Sheridan and Greg Rosser. He has opened for On U Sound System, Alex Patterson (The Orb), Herbert, Java, Hexstatic and many others.
Alexander co-founded Ju Ju Space Jazz. The band has had a number of releases on labels throughout the world. They have performed throughout Australia, Germany, France, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand and Hong Kong, playing at festivals including Big Day Out, Paris Techno Parade and Splore.
In collaboration in the areas of dance, fashion, film and theatre, Alexander’s music can be found on labels in Australia, Japan, UK and Germany, and is played on radio, film and television. As session keyboardist he has worked with film composer Don-Miller Robinson on full-length feature film Risk starring Bryan Brown. He has also worked on major advertising campaigns.
Ambient recording project, Telegraph Pole, was selected for inclusion in the Brighton Soundwave Festival UK in 2007.
The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio and The New Impromptu Quartet perform regularly in Melbourne, interstate and overseas.
In addition to his many performing and recording projects, Alexander is a dedicated teacher of piano and music production for students of all levels in Melbourne.
2009 saw the successful launch of the Alexander Nettelbeck Trio in Melbourne at fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne with Jonathan Zion and Simone White, followed in 2010 by the release of ‘Alexander Nettelbeck Trio’ with MGM Distribution.
Alexander is also keyboardist/co-producer with Aleeoop! ‘Swelter’, by Aleeoop!, is released on I-Tunes.
In July 2011 Alexander travelled to Italy to attend the Tuscia In Jazz Festival and masterclass program at Soriano nel Cimino, During this visit Alexander took part in an artistic collaboration and concert with a leading Italian sound artist former student of esteemed contemporary music composer Luciano Berio, Lazzaro Ciccolella, in the city of Molfetta.
In 2012 Alexander travelled to perform and promote in Austria, Italy and Poland.
These tours were made possible thanks to many kind individual supporters, Artegiro Australian Encounters program , Italy, the Australian Business Arts Foundation and Australian Cultural Fund (ABaF& ACF). As a result of the international success of the tour the trio was invited to play at events and festivals during 2012/13.
The Alexander Nettelbeck Trio has released a new album ‘ Here Today’ in 2015, available through MGM Distribution/Waterfront Records at all good online stores and local record shops.
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Email: info@anmusic.com.au
2020 Alexander Nettelbeck