Alex Cabrera - Interview With An Artist

INTERVIEW WITH AN ARTIST: ALEX CABRERA

1. At what point in your life did you realize that you were interested in a career in music?

This takes me back to when I was a very young man. I must have been 8 years old when I knew I wanted to be on a stage playing music. Music was surrounding me at a very young age.

2. Who were some of the people who influenced you in the art of music?

I am very fortunate to be one of 7 children who’s home was always filled with music. My two brothers Gilbert and Richard were my first and main influences in the music industry. Although my parents were not musicians they supported us 100% with lessons, instruments and many years of agonizing sounds coming from our rooms trying to learn how to play these things called instruments. My two brothers were professional musicians, so I grew up listening to them rehearse and watched as they left for gigs and tours. They introduced me to many great musicians to include my all time favorite trumpet player Cat Anderson who was the lead trumpeter for the Duke Ellington orchestra. Cat Anderson was a major influence in my musical life. I was left with my mouth open the first time I heard this legend play his horn. I have never heard a trumpet sing so high and so tasteful. I was very lucky to be able to have a mentor as great as Cat Anderson. I will always be thankful for the time and patience and direction he gave to me. I can still remember him standing behind me as I soloed and him telling me “ take your time you have all day to say what you are trying to say “.

3. 3. What type of music do you most enjoy playing?

I am glad you asked! I love all types of music and have had the opportunity to play it all, but the music I most enjoy performing is Latin Jazz, as you will hear very soon on my upcoming CD entitled “Latin Smooth”. You will hear some of my original material. A few of my favorites entitled "Angel Eyes" and also a re-recording of my late brother Gilbert Cabrera's original song entitled "El Fin". My very good friend Rick Whitfield has written a tune for the CD entitled "One Night in Rio" that will make your body move and producer writer and arranger Jimi Seville with his tuned titled "Brasi Cubano"

4. Are there any notable followers of your play dates (usually present when you perform or record )?

I have been very fortunate to perform with many great artists in my years of being in this industry. Since I have focused my time and energy to my own musical project I have been spending time with Los Angeles’s best Latin Jazz artist’s and Producers, Jimi Seville with notable work with the Beach Boy’s and Cannibal and the Headhunters, drummer/percussionist Sal Rodrigeuz from the band WAR, Tony Banda world renown Grammy award winning bassist and bass player for Poncho Sanchez, Drummer Rogerio Jardim, Vocalist and Percussionist Steve Donn, Trombonist Carry Furnish, Saxophonist Don Bell, Jeff Kashiwa, and Will Donato, Bassist and Vocalist P. Bass Jones, Basses Melvin Lee Davis, Roger Rivas from the great Latin Group Tierra and Fausto Cueves percussionist from the Britney Spears band. All of these great musicians have become a part of the "Latin Smooth" CD. I have also had the opportunity to spend time with world renown Grammy Award winning Producer, Arranger and Musician Bob Gallarza who has just released two fantastic Cd’s entitled “Live in Session and “Full Circle” We all have had a GREAT time in the studio recording this CD and I pray that all of you will enjoy and share this music with your friends. This CD is very special to me and I hope it touches your heart and soul as it has touched mine.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Get an education! If you are going to be a musician be the best musician you can be and go to school learn to read and write music don’t just dress the part “be the part” There are many many great musicians in this industry so competition is fierce. Talk with professional musicians and ask questions. You can learn so much as I have from musicians who have taken the time to give me advice. A great teacher once told me (Cat Anderson) “Don’t’ be afraid of learning because you will never know everything about your art in one lifetime”

6. What are your plans for the future as a musician?

I am always trying to improve not only as a musician and businessman but also as a person. I try to leave the best impression on people I work with so they know that number one there project is important to me and that I appreciate that they have considered using me to enhance there project.

7. Since music is your business, in what other activities are you involved?

My life is very rich with family and great friends. I feel very lucky to have such great people in my life

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