Alex Western-King

Alex Western-King on ubuntu music

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of tenor saxophonist Alex Western-King for his debut album release, SideSlip, on 18th June 2021.

Alex is fast becoming one of the most talked about players on the London jazz scene. Having started music at a young age, Alex gained a place at the prestigious Wells Cathedral School at the age of 11 as a specialist musician on the Clarinet. Alex first discovered his love of jazz music at the age of 12 when hearing the school big band play, however it wasn’t until eight months before his music college auditions at the age of 16 that he decided to make the daring switch to study jazz saxophone. The risk paid off and Alex gained a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from which he graduated with first class honours.

Alex has studied with some of the world’s leading jazz musicians including Jean Toussaint, Iain Ballamy, Stan Sulzmann, Gareth Lockrane and Alex Garnett, all of whom have made a lasting impact on his playing. Alex has had the honour of sharing the stage with some of the world's most renowned jazz musicians including Dame Cleo Laine, Alec Dankworth, Justin Stanton (Snarky Puppy), Julian Siegel, Gareth Lockrane and Alex Garnett. 

“Equally adept on alto and tenor saxophone, Alex reaches deep into the core

of jazz thus refining a personal statement and unfettered connection with

both his fellow musicians and the audience - a swinging and robust player

when riding the tempo of a number, he displays a rare sensitivity on ballads.”

--Paul Pace / Ronnie Scott’s

Alex is a regular at the Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show and has performed in world-renowned venues including The Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Cadogan Hall, Union Chapel, The Vortex, Royal Festival Hall, Etihad Stadium and many others. Alex is also regularly on tour with one of the country's leading swing bands, the award-winning Down for the Count. 

For his debut album, SideSlip, Alex has hand-picked some of the finest musicians from the London jazz scene to form his quartet. Revered jazz pianist Sam Leak is joined by the swingin’ combination of Jonny Wickham on bass and Jay Davis on the drums; all three musicians have impressive careers in their own right. 

As Alex explains it, “This album is a meeting point between my love of straight-ahead bebop and the chaos and fragility of free jazz. For my debut album I feel very lucky to be working with musicians who are among the very best on the scene and, more importantly, are people with whom I have a close personal connection. The chemistry that myself, Sam Leak, Jonny Wickham and Jay Davis have formed over our years of playing together allows us to constantly push creative boundaries within our improvisation. The addition of James Copus as a special guest is a dream for me, as he is someone whose playing I have admired for many years. I am delighted to have had this album produced by Alex Garnett, who has been a mentor and friend to me for many years.”

Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu, Alex elaborates: “Working with Martin (Hummel) on my debut album is a complete blessing. He has been incredibly patient and supportive throughout every step and his love for jazz music shines through in every conversation we have. This is reflected in the incredible volume of world class musicians that he is working with at Ubuntu, all of whom I look up to as inspirations. I am honoured to join the Ubuntu family.”

Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, continues: “Alex is becoming a part of the fabric of the young and vibrant British jazz scene. He has deep respect for the roots of this music, while expressing it on his terms and in his voice. We are happy to welcome Alex to the Ubuntu Family.”