Photo by Desmond White

Praised by The New York Times as a saxophonist who is “…making the connections among about 70 years’ worth of contemplative, articulate and light–toned players,” Alex LoRe is one of the most in-demand alto saxophonists and composers on the New York music scene. With a strong upbringing in classical music and mentored by such masters as Lee Konitz, George Garzone, and Bunky Green, LoRe’s playing and compositions reflect a myriad of influences ranging from the European classical repertoire through today’s most influential artists on both the jazz and popular music scenes. Internationally acclaimed saxophonist and educator Bunky Green says LoRe “…will emerge to become one of the leading voices on the international jazz scene.” Saxophonist George Garzone describes his playing as “bold and unforgiving”, with “…a beautiful sound; he understands the concept of melody.”

LoRe has been featured at venues such as New York City’s Alice Tully Hall and Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), the Jazz at Ravinia Festival held at the Stean’s Institute for Young Artists in Chicago, the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, the Jacksonville and Clearwater Jazz Festivals in Florida, among others. In New York, he frequents prominent venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Jazz Gallery, and the Jazz Standard both as a leader of his own groups and as a sideman. He is a member of saxophonist Lucas Pino’s “No Net Nonet”, which has held a monthly residency at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC for over 6 years. He is also the co-founder of “This, Now,” an 11-piece chamber ensemble that strives to further integrate the fabrics of through-composed music with the improvisatory nature of jazz.

Mr. LoRe has released three albums—“Dream House” (2014) and “More Figs and Blue Things” (2016) on acclaimed saxophonist Greg Osby’s label, Inner Circle Music, and most recently “Karol” (2019) on Challenge Records International. All three albums have received critical acclaim by The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine, and Jazz Wise Magazine (UK), among others. All About Jazz states, “with Karol, [LoRe] continues to carve out a unique space in the pantheon of present-day saxophonists and composers.”

LoRe holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston’s New England Conservatory and a master’s degree from New York’s Manhattan School of Music. He currently lives in Brooklyn.