Alex Goodman (guitarist) Canadian guitarist Alex Goodman has established himself as a major force on the Canadian jazz scene. He completed his Bachelor of Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto and a Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music. He also participated in the International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music at the Banff Centre. Currently based in New York City, he has released four albums as a leader.

His first album, Roots, was released in 2007 and features saxophonist Jonathan Kay, bssist Justin Gray and drummer Josh Park. The album features primarily original Goodman compositions along with two jazz standards.

Goodman released Convergence in 2009 featuring a band co-led by saxophonist Brent Mah, along with bassist Dan Fortin and drummer Karl Schwonik. The CD features original compositions by both leaders, along with songs by Radiohead and Pink Floyd. It was listed in the top 10 jazz records of 2010 (!Earshot).

In 2011, Goodman released Bridges, which features saxophonist Nick Morgan, pianist Darcy Myronuk, bassist Dan Fortin, and drummer Maxwell Roach. The album reached Number 1 on the national Chartattack and !Earshot jazz charts. The album was also listed in the top 10 Canadian jazz records of 2011 (Ottawa Citizen). He has toured extensively and has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Massey Hall, and the Glenn Gould studio.

Alex released etudes for solo guitar in 2013. The recording features ten etudes and a number of improvised pieces.

He has toured extensively and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Massey Hall, and the Glenn Gould studio.The Alex Goodman Quintet was a finalist in the 2011 Grand Prix de Jazz competition at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. In 2011, the Ottawa Citizen also recognized Alex in the article, “Who makes the cutting edge for jazz in Canada?” His music can regularly be heard on CBC, Galaxie jazz and JAZZ.FM91.

Alex is also an accomplished composer with over 100 compositions in his portfolio and two award-winning film scores. The first, “Goodbye Rosebud”  won the William Marshall award and the second “Reality Check” was aired nationally on Global Television. Alex has performed with international artists John Patitiucci, Tim Ries, Maria Schneider, and Ron Westray. Within Canada he has performed with Jane Bunnett, Richard Underhill, and Terry Clarke.

In july 2014, he was chosen as the winner of the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Awards:

2013 - JUNO nomination for 'Contemporary Jazz Album' for Bridges
2014 - Winner of the Socar Montreux Jazz Electric Guitar Competition at the Montreux Jazz Festival