MUSE • Musicians United for Social Equity

Biography

James Alexander II ( Jimmy Alexander) began studying music at the age of  three. He began formal theory and drum lessons at The Music Settlement in Cleveland with drummer/educator Ralph Jackson of the Duke Jenkins Trio at age 5 for seven years. He performed with Shaker Hts. Schools Band system from grades 5-12, beginning his professional career at age 15, a Jimmy Hendrix style rock trio with the Jeff Reeves Group. He attended Akron University and Cleveland State studying Classical music while playing drums in Akron s Gospel Choir and first Steel Drum Band. Opting for a professional career James began playing R&B, Rock, Pop and Jazz in North Eastern Ohio culminating with two local groups both simultaneously beginning to receive national attention. He toured with R&B singers LeVert for one year, performed  at Karamu House Theatre, ministered at My. Olive MOB, graduated from The Oberlin Conservatory’s jazz department under the direction of Dr. Wendell Logan, studying Jazz Performance with drummers Greg Bandy and Billy Hart. He relocated to NYC, entered The Queens College Master’s program in Jazz Performance, graduated in three semesters while performing professionally performing jazz and corporate events and ministering at COGENY. After mine years in NY James returned to NE Ohio  and formed J2 Music, performing teaching and recording Jazz and Gospel and ministering in area churches based from 2nd Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.