About
Alexander’s fearless and imaginative guitar playing captivates audiences from the first note. A study in contradiction, he plays with a maturity that belies his youthful age of 18. A student of the extraordinarily talented “Doc” Bates beginning at the age of 13, Alexander fell in love with music - fast and hard.
In a perpetual quest for learning and excellence, Alexander also studied under exceptional guitarists Brandon Skeens of Doghouse Daddies and Nick Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot. While blues is his first love and informs his creativity, he, nonetheless, infuses his music with influences from the great musicians of most every genre.
Since childhood, Alexander used writing as a creative outlet and soon discovered he had both a love and talent for it. A full-time university student carrying an English Major, he manages to coordinate a full academic load with the requisite rehearsals and performances, while continually adding to an ever-evolving and expanding repertoire of original songs.
As a songwriter, Alexander tackles traditional blues fare, as well as personal experiences and issues close to his heart. Making blues relevant to today’s listener, Alexander pairs inspired lyrics with creative guitar playing and a charismatic stage presence. A true musician, Alexander pours his heart and soul into everything he does. He is a performer you do not want to miss.
Jim’s dream of being a drummer began at age five, but he had to wait until he was 18 before first having the opportunity to sit behind a real drum kit – he was hooked. Over the past 45 years he has played continuously, amassing thousands of hours of playing time. While Jim’s specialty is Rock, with leanings towards Funk fusion, he is well known within the Jazz and Blues community, and regularly performs in clubs and at churches around the Kansas City area. Jim is also renowned for his lead and backup vocals. It is singing, he says, that has given him the greatest insight into the true presentation of a tune.
Jim has had the privilege of working with, as well as befriending a number of prominent musicians such as Ron Shumake, John Mader, Chris Fryer, Chris Foster, Artemis Pyle and most recently the amazing Schnebelings of Trampled Under Foot. Over the years he has opened for the likes of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Black Oak Arkansas, Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad, Tommy Tutone and Tommy James. Jim has even had endorsement deals with Pro-Mark and Beato Cases.
Jim firmly believes in the proper and enthusiastic presentation of the song, the synergy of a good jam session, respect for an audience and professionalism at all times. “Most of all,” he says “I believe my role is to support the other performers I am playing with at the time.” His goal: “to play as much and as hard as I can, while I can.”
In addition to laying down the beat and supplying supporting vocals for Alexander and the Greats, Jim also regularly plays with Sharp Dressed Man, a National and International touring ZZ Top tribute act.
At a mere 20 years of age, Connor is truly experienced beyond his years. Schooled in Classical piano as a child and inspired by a number of musicians in the family, he developed a love for music of nearly every genre at an early age. The piano, however, along with a host of other assorted instruments he sampled, never quite caught his interest.
Although always an avid listener and learner, Connor’s genuine desire to play took awhile to develop. His father, Scott, a talented though humble musician in his own right, never pressured Connor into playing. “I’ve always felt Connor could be a great musician if he really wanted it,” says Scott. “Then one day he grabbed my bass out of the closet and couldn’t put it down. He simply needed to find the right instrument, one he could pour his heart and soul into.”
A student of the talented and seasoned Paul Greenlease, Connor is a quick study. He practices every free moment, absorbing all he can from a multitude of influences. Connor particularly gets into Rock and Funk, but Blues, Jazz and Classical have all proven significant in shaping his play. Some of his favorite artists include Audioslave, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine, Neil Young and The Beatles. And as a serious bassist, Connor can’t help but be awe-inspired by the incredible Victor Wooten.
Cool and collected on stage, Connor’s seriousness for his craft shines through. Whether performing a well-rehearsed piece or winging it in a free-flowing jam session Connor is a true professional with a smooth, seemingly effortless style of play.
