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Born in Memphis, 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 played in Tom Link’s SBA Jazz Ensemble for four years. The SBA Jazz Ensemble performed as the front band for many groups of various genres, such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Charlie Wood 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 Michael Jefry Stevens.
During his high school and college years Nollan immersed himself in both classical music and jazz. 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, studying with Tom Giampietro and meeting future colleague Don Aliquo. At the University of Memphis he studied with Gerald Stephens. When Stephens transferred to Rhodes College, Nollan went with him, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Music 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 musical artist Donald Brown.
Donald Brown and Alex connected immediately: Soon after that encounter Alex began commuting to Knoxville for a year to take lessons with Brown. After graduation he studied with Steve Lee, Tony Thomas, and Angeline Case-Stott. He was accepted to the Jazz Studies program of the University of Tennessee, where he continued studying with Brown. Brown is the producer of his albums Stand (2019) and Mandatory (2023).
After his Master’s-level study at the University of Tennessee, Nollan relocated to Lubbock, TX to embark on a composing, performing, and recording career. He was based there for five years. During the Covid pandemic he formed a trio with drummer JT Paz and bassist Joe Phea called Jazz on the Grass, playing twice a month in outdoor settings. In Houston he studied with Bobby Lyle, and in Pensacola performs with Steve Gilmore, Bob Maksymkow, and Jim Roebuck. After returning to Memphis at the end of 2021, Nollan reintegrated himself into the Memphis and Mid-South music scenes. He is sought after as a performer, composer, and recording artist.
In Spring 2023 Alex composed and assembled the songs for his second album Mandatory. Recorded in Memphis, the album features Don Aliquo (saxophone), Neal Bowen (bass), Clifton Brady (saxophone), Charlton Johnson (electric guitar), Renardo Ward (drums), and Johnny Yancey (trumpet and fluegelhorn). Mandatory was released on November 1, 2023!! Clips from both Stand and Mandatory are available on most streaming services. Alex’s current project is an Extended Play album, which will be finished in 2025. Coming soon!
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!
