ALEX COKE/CARL MICHEL SEXTET
- Alex Coke - Woodwinds
- Carl Michel - Guitar
- Elaine Barber - Harp
- Bob Hoffnar - Pedal Steel
- James Suter - Double Bass
- Carolyn Trowbridge - Vibraphone
Born in Dallas TX, Alex Coke received his B.A. from the University of Colorado in 1976, with an emphasis on flute performance, before becoming one of the original members of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra and a touring member of the renowned Dutch ensemble Willem Breuker Kollektief.
With a distinctive sound and an inclination toward experimentation, Coke exemplifies the traditions pioneered by fellow Texas tenors and jazz flutists, while expanding the possibilities of extended technique.
His projects as bandleader include Live Action Brass Band, Leadbelly Legacy Band, New Texas Swing with Tina Marsh, and the post-bop quintet, The Worthy Constituents with pianist and composer, Rich Harney.
Coke's extensive discography includes his many original projects and his work as a featured soloist with The Austin Jazz Workshop, Greezy Wheels, White Denim, Maryann Price, Accra Trane Station, KlezEdge, Reeds and Deeds, and many others.
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After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Carl Michel became a co-leader of the Creative Opportunity Orchestra, with the innovative lead vocalist Tina Marsh.
He has released several Projects under Play On Records including “Food Of Love,” ”The Carl Michel Group,” “The Carl Michel Group (+)” and “Music In Motian: (The Compositions Of Paul Motian)”.
Carl has received two Emmy awards in Music Composition and Arrangement based on his work from a 16-part documentary series about 1930s-2000s pioneering female journalist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Doris O’Donnell Beaufait titled , "Doris O’Donnell’s Cleveland.” His music is featured on film soundtracks "The Fourteenth Victim - Eliot Ness & The Torso Murders,” and “Dusk & Shadow - The Mystery Of Beverly Potts.”
The Sextet has released 2 albums, The Emissary (PlayOn Records, 2021) and Emergence (PlayOn Records, 2023). A new release is planned for 2024. Current albums can be found at Bandcamp Merch from Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet.