THE ALEX COKE-CARL MICHEL SEXTET
- Alex Coke - Woodwinds
- Carl Michel - Guitar
- Elaine Barber - Concert harp
- Bob Hoffnar - Pedal steel guitar
- James Suter - Acoustic bass
- Carolyn Trowbridge - Vibraphone
The Alex Coke-Carl Michel Sextet is a distinctive six piece composer’s forum from Austin, Texas, breaks down barriers of musical genres. Fearlessly exploring the possibilities involved in combining musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, the music is consistently cinematic and offers listeners a warm, modern, propulsive sound expressed through colorful timbres and solid musicianship.
Alex Coke was an original member of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, performed as part of the legendary Willem Breuker Kollektief for a decade, worked extensively with Tina Marsh, and has led such groups as New Visions, the Live Action Brass Band, the Leadbelly Legacy Band, New Texas Swing, and The Worthy Constituents.
Guitarist Carl Michel, who was also a co-leader of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, worked with the Madison Music Collective, composed many soundtracks, and led a series of albums for PlayOn Records including a set of Paul Motian compositions titled Music In Motian.
Elaine Barber, Principal harpist of the Austin Symphony, is a regular guest with the San Antonio Symphony, and performs a wide variety of music including jazz and early music.
Pedal steel guitarist Bob Hoffnar runs a live concert performance series (the Liminal Sound Series) that commissions new works and features musicians and performers in Austin, Texas.
Carolyn Trowbridge, who grew up in the Czech Republic and Norway, is a percussionist who plays vibraphone, marimba, steel pan, and world percussion. Carolyn is well-versed in many musical genres from jazz and funk to rock and soul.
Bassist James Suter has shared the stage with many top jazz artists including Gary Burton, Chris Potter, Branford Marsalis, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano, and Joey Calderazzo among others.