Alex McLaughlin A BRAND NEW STATE

December 1, 2024

ALEX McLAUGHLIN

A BRAND NEW STATE

Independent label

Alex McLaughlin, bass/composer; Jeremy Siskind, piano; Tina Raymond, drums; Jeremy Pelt, trumpet; Ulysses Owens Jr., producer.

Alex McLaughlin is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. An interest in the music of Thelonious Monk turned his direction from playing electric bass in a rock and roll band to joining his high school jazz ensemble. At Mercyhurst University, McLaughlin majored in Music Therapy and psychology. There, he became serious about playing the double bass. His bass study continued at Cincinnati Conservatory. He soon became a teaching assistant in double bass and jazz studies at Penn State. As recently as 2022, McLaughlin relocated his life and career to Idyllwild, California, where he took a job at Idyllwild Arts Academy as a rehearsal bassist. This led to many other positions. Eventually, in 2024, he was appointed Director of their Jazz Program.

Alex McLaughlin is a bassist, composer and educator. “A Brand New State” is the title of his debut album, featuring eight original compositions. The first one is called “Desert Chapel.” Alex opens the arrangement on his upright bass with a stunning solo. His tone is so warm and round, it immediately grabs my attention. When Jeremy Siskind enters on piano, he joins McLaughlin’s melodic bass line like a hook that catches my ear and pulls me in. Tina Raymond provides the solid trap drum accompaniment until Jeremy Pelt steps boldly onto the scene, using his trumpet to compel my attention. This is a beautiful tune. Each band member paints the arrangement with their own unique textures and colors.

Alex McLaughlin intended to blend and bend these original compositions into a contemporary jazz production, contracting the help of these wonderful, creative musicians. I find his music rooted in tradition, at the same time, exploratory and spiritual. For McLaughlin, playing jazz is a team effort and each of these players brings great talent and charisma to his project.

When I listen to track #3 called “Signals” I fall in love with the muted sound of Jeremy Pelt’s trumpet interpreting the shockingly beautiful melody that McLaughlin has composed. This music moves me.

Alex says that he usually begins composing by starting with the bass line. Then, he writes the chords and melody built upon that musical basement. In the case of this excellent debut album, McLaughlin’s compositions are inspired by ‘change.’ Certainly, the world is in a state of constant change, just like Mother Nature who paints each day, every day, with brand new scenery. McLaughlin’s music is meant to specifically reflect internal change, psychic changes, and life changes that happen when we least expect them.

The “Solar Punks” tune has a mallet sound provided by the drummer (Tina Raymond) that propels this song forward and brings back memories of Ahmad Jamal’s Poinciana tune. McLaughlin’s melody is nothing like Poinciana, but the drum style is reminiscent in some ways of that 1960s jazz standard. McLaughlin explains that this tune is named after an anarchist movement that believes a sustainable future can be achieved without government interference.

Bassist and amazing composer, Alex McLaughlin sparks deep and emotional imagery in his music. Every song is sweet like honey on my taste buds. I am captivated by the band members who so richly enhance and deliver his music.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music