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Born in Memphis, city of so many rich genres of American music, Alex Nollan from an early age was steeped in the sounds and traditions of classical, rock, soul, and jazz. His studied at the Rhodes Music Academy, and when he reached high school he knew he would devote his professional life to music—especially jazz. He played in J. Thomas Link’s SBA Jazz Ensemble for four years, which performed as the front band for many established groups of various genres, such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and eclectic jazz keyboardist Charlie Wood’s band.
Nollan racked up 40 hours of recording studio experience at the Leeway Studio and the Charlie Wood Studio in Memphis. The SBA Ensemble landed the 2007 Downbeat Magazine international award for Best Blues/Pop/Rock Band, performing and competing in Chicago, Orlando, and New Orleans. He began to study regularly with international jazz artist Michael Jefry Stevens.
During his high school and college years Nollan immersed himself in both classical music and jazz, attending operas, ballets, and contemporary music concerts. In July 2004 he was the personal guest of Alexandre Rachmaninoff, grandson of the famous composer-pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, at the Ravinia Music Festival in Chicago. In order to broaden his musical and cultural horizons, Nollan traveled internationally several times to Germany, Italy, and Russia.
Nollan entered Middle Tennessee State University in Jazz Studies, receiving encouragement from Don Aliquo and Tom Giampietro; and at the University of Memphis he advanced in jazz through lessons from talented pianist Gerald Stephens. When Stephens transferred to Rhodes College, Nollan went with him, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music (concentration Jazz Studies) in 2013.
During his senior year at Rhodes he performed in the Jazz Band led by John Bass: in the spring the band played at the Overton Park Shell, with Nollan being honored to play with Charles Lloyd. At this event he met Donald Brown.
Donald Brown and Alex connected immediately. So drawn was Alex to the great jazz artist and gifted educator that he began commuting to Knoxville to take lessons with Brown. After graduation he studied intensively with pianist and educator Steve Lee, Grammy-winning jazz pianist Tony Thomas, and professor of classical piano Angeline Case-Stott. He was accepted to the Jazz Studies program of the University of Tennessee, where he continued studying with Brown. Chicago-based jazz and gospel pianist Willie Pickens supported Nollan’s application to the Jazz program at Northern Illinois University, but Nollan aimed to study jazz only with Donald Brown. Pickens told him approvingly, “Donald Brown? He’s one of the best!” Brown became not only his beloved teacher, but his mentor and (with his first album Stand) producer as well.
After three years of Master’s-level study at the University of Tennessee, Nollan relocated to Lubbock, TX to embark on a composing, performing, and recording career. He performed regularly at Jazz A Louisiana Kitchen, Rain Uptown, Brisas Seafood, Funky Door, Texas Tech Club, and the Louise H. Underwood Center for the Arts; his performances included drummer JT Paz and bassist Joe Phea. During the Covid Pandemic he formed a trio with Paz and Phea called Jazz on the Grass, playing twice a month in outdoor settings. After returning to Memphis at the end of 2021, Nollan reintegrated himself into the Memphis music scene and on the Alabama Gulf Coast. In Houston he has studied with legendary pianist Bobby Lyle, and in Pensacola performs with jazz masters Steve Gilmore, Bob Maksymkow, and Jim Roebuck.
In Spring 2023 Alex composed and assembled the songs for his second album, which is produced by Donald Brown and titled Mandatory. It was recorded at Archer Studio in Memphis, featuring Don Aliquo (saxophone), Neal Bowen (bass), Clifton Brady (saxophone), Charlton Johnson (electric guitar), Renardo Ward (drums), and Johnny Yancey (trumpet and fluegelhorn). It will be released and celebrated in Fall 2023!
Thank you for visiting Alex Nollan’s site. Stay engaged and updated on all upcoming performances. If you would like to book Alex or have additional questions, please call or text the number below to reach out to his business manager. We look forward to hearing from you!
