Dim Gurevich -Organ, Wurli, Clav, Acoustic Gtr, Backing Vocals
Ryan Bull -Musical Director, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Influences
Anything With An Original Sound and STRONG MELODIES IS A MUST: Billy Joel (my dad is a genius, and the HUGEST influence on me--that goes without saying), Randy Newman ("Sail Away" is a gorgeous classic, and "Feels Like Home" could be a hymn the melody is so pure), Joni Mitchell (everything she does is completely 100% HER SOUND), Neil Young, Billie Holiday (check out her adorably unique version of "On The Sunny Side Of the Street"!!--she's the main influence for me these days vocally), Ella Fitzgerald (the way she sings "Summertime" KILLS me, Bonnie Raitt ("Let's Give 'Em Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" are one of the two most well-written songs I've EVER heard), OH GOD PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR FORGETTING TO ADD LEONARD COHEN ALL THIS TIME!!, Oooo and I also forgot "The Outfield"--(their hit song "Your Love" is one of the most well-phrased, catchiest tunes I've EVER heard), Frank Sinatra, Rogers & Hammerstein, Carole King, Burt Bacharach, Steve Miller Band, Journey, Bon Jovi, Beethoven, Bob Dylan, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainright, The Beatles (who DOESN'T love them??!!), Ray Charles ("You Don't Know Me" is a song I'd LOVE to cover one day), Elton John, Green Day (their song "Good Riddance" (known as "Time Of Your Life") is so well done--the way they incorporated those haunting strings in it really inspires me), Nina Simone, I'M JUST NOW REALIZING HOW TALENTED MICHELLE BRANCH IS (I KNOW--A LITTLE LATE, RIGHT?) Fastball, Say Anything (great lyrics, very raw--my fave by far is, "Wow, I Can Get Sexual, Too!", but "Spidersong" is good, too...very different), Head Automatica (check out their song "Brooklyn is Burning"--that inspired my funk tune, "Not Alright"!!), Chopin, Joe Walsh ("Life's Been Good To Me So Far" always hits me), Aretha Franklin, The Police (Who doesn't love "Every Little Thing She Does"), Leonard Cohen, Sheryl Crow, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Claude Debussy, Alanis Morisette, Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Torture Sermon, Michelle Branch, Old ZZ Top ("Cheap Sunglasses" is just really, really COOL), Peter Gabriel, Johnny Cash, Simon and Garfunkel ("Like A Bridge Over Troubled Water" is like a Randy Newman song in its clasically beautiful, hymn-like song-structure), Elvis Costello, Sarah Vaughn, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Sounds Like
I like to think I have a very eclectic sound - I call my music pop/jazz/blues, but there's also a "funk" element there with my more upbeat songs (as well as an old school rock/R&B element that the boys add in their instrumentation--and hey, there's even a country song in the mix now!). My voice (so I'm told) is rather jazzy, and my piano accompaniment is classically-influenced....you be the judge.
Alexa Ray Joel is an undeniable member of true American rock and roll royalty: her performance training occurred at the hands of a modern master and a mother of otherworldly grace. Alexa is a brilliant young woman whose birth was well documented by nearly every major press outlet. As a world-traveled toddler, she even made Gorbachev giggle! Now Alexa is working to create her own destiny. Her songs reveal a charismatic dreamer and musical communicator of rare vulnerability whose talent is imbued with a blend of raw city energy and the peaceful tranquility of the Long Island Sound. Thousands have already been enthralled by the surprising performances that leave little doubt that Alexa Ray Joel will be an integral part of an enduring American legacy. Her songs are composed of equal parts compassion, truth, charity, and humor. One listen assures anyone of the wit and wisdom of this unique young woman.
Alexa writes her own music without the benefit of Grammy Award-winning songwriting teams or world famous producers. Her first demo CD Sketches sold thousands of copies at independent music retailers all over the country and at Target stores. The subject matter consists of mostly positive but sometimes scathing reflections of the people and places she has encountered along the way. Alexa has honed her skills as a performer in a wide range of settings. She has traveled to seedy, smoky Midwestern bars all the way to the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. At twenty one, Alexa has already completed two North American tours and has performed at dozens of charity events including benefits for the American Heart and Lung Association and the Jimmy V Foundation.
Everyone has a story and Alexa is all set to become a master storyteller who shares an uncommon empathy with this weary world. She inspires hope because she is the completion of the American dream: talented, charming, intelligent, and whimsical with a magic on the keys matched by great pitch. All of these accomplishments were made on her own without benefit of a record label. This tiny dynamo makes the big boys quiver in their board rooms because she’s doing what very few artists, especially females, have ever done: she’s playing the game by her own rules. In doing her own thing, Alexa has garnered the attention of music industry sharks and Hollywood darlings. Alexa has Botticelli beauty to go along with the strong stage presence and the ethereal aesthetic of a Woody Allen muse.
Alexa takes her causes to heart and has made it a point to become an iconoclast in a world sickened by the venomous media attention assigned to anyone who dares venture into the limelight. She has appeared in a number of national press outlets, including: Rolling Stone, Billboard, People, Glamour Magazine, and on a number of television and radio shows ranging from The Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and XM Satellite programs. Alexa has renounced the poisons of an out of control tabloid press and defended herself against the attacks of malevolent bloggers who are determined to blacken the world with negativity. Alexa Ray is bringing the world a new addiction in the form of upbeat tunes with beautiful melodies.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Please welcome to the stage, New York’s very own: Miss Alexa Ray Joel!!
-Jennie
“I am proud to be the first independent artist without a record label to have an EP ("Sketches") available at TARGET stores. My six-song EP (which is basically like a minimum-production song sampler/demo of my original music with my own piano accompaniment & band) is also available and a number of independent music stores and online at my website: www.alexarayjoel.com. So check that out too, when you get a chance!!”
“Hmmm...what else... so much has happened this year...it's quite the whirlwind looking back on it all now, and it's kind of overwhelming to think that I'm supposed to accomplish even MORE this year!! I was featured in PEOPLE MAGAZINE as an emerging artist, and also was featured on NBC'S TODAY SHOW earlier last year, with clips from my Oyster Bay Show (such a fun one!). I performed quite a bit last year, for the first time in my life!! I played a grand total of 74 shows just last year (2006), and toured quite extensively. My first tour was a "Hard Rock Cafe" run of the East Coast last May, and my second big tour was at the end of last October, throughout all of November, starting with the West Coast.”
“I'd also like to mention that I'm the luckiest girl in the world to get to play with the most adorable, supremely talented boys: my very silly "ladies man" drummer, Marc Slutsky, my very loving, rockin' bass player, Jimmy Riot, and my very wisecracking, multi-talented keyboardist, Dim Gurevich. I have found an amazing guitarist, introducing Mr. Ryan T. Bull!”
“In interviews, when asked to describe my music, I don't know what to say...especially these days. I used to describe my music as "Pop/Soul/Blues", but that's not as accurate anymore, since I've recently written jazz songs, funk-tunes...even a country tune! I love most types of music, and am particularly interested in catchy songs that sound like "old-time classics" (makes sense since I grew up listening to Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Randy Newman, Billie Holiday, Rogers & Hammerstein, Dolly Parton, and the Beatles!) I am currently working on a soulful cover of "Tempted" by SQUEEZE, but, who knows? That might change...I always have so many ideas bubbling over in my head. I'll be recording about six new original songs over this month and next, so I'll put these up on my page as soon as I get a chance (I know I haven't put anything new up in a while, so you guys are probably getting tired of checking in here to hear the same old beginning lines of "The Heart of Me" every time!)”
“I'm currently very inspired by "The Outfield", "The Dixie Chicks", and "Steve Miller Band" at the moment. I really want my next song to be a really simple, mid-tempo, easy country-rock tune like Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner." Let's see---I'm hoping I can pull it off! Because my songwriting spans such a broad range of musical genres, my ultimate dream is to be a crossover artist, like my dad, Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, The Dixie Chicks, and, (probably the most current hero of mine!), Michelle Branch.”
“Alright, I guess that's it for now! Hope you all enjoy the page, the pics, and the music on here...and write me! I'd love to hear from you.”
-Alexa Ray
For Booking Please Contact:Peter Pappalardo at Artist Group International (Or call at 212.813.9292)
Hi Lex.... How are you doing? I read that "People" article about your Mom; I'm sorry that you guys have had to go through so much sh**. Your Mom handles herself and her life with class, grace, and integrity. You do as well; your Mom and Dad did a great job! :) Take Care, Dear Girl... Always a fan, Tracy Frye
Hey Alexa, I met you about a year ago in Nashville. I just wanted to say that I know you and your mom are going through a hard time but that my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Stay strong!
Hey girl. Saw you on tv today and heard about your testimony about that a-hole who married your mom. He deserves to end up with shit. I hope your mother, your siblings, and you are doing well and I will keep you in my thoughts. That guy is a real piece of sh*t and I am glad the world is finding out. Take care and continue to keep playing that piano chica.
Hey Alexa, Thinking of you and your family at this time and I know light will prevail and keep you all safe and sound. Keep your head up high and keep on singing.
Sorry I haven't been around Lex, but I wanted to let you know that you are loved by so many! Stay strong and everything will be alright! Wishing you the best during this 4th of July weekend! Head up... :)
You looked fabulous in the paper today. Even though it was a sad occassion for your family. You still looked beautiful as always. Your mom is a srong woman and this will only make her stronger. God Bless
Alexa You are as talented as your Dad or more so! You and your Mom & family are in my heart & prayers. Please know that many, many people care for what you are all going through right now and understand that your Mom HAS to do this to keep this "person" as far away as possible. Tell Mom she's still America's #1 Girl. Everybody stay strong & close....Maureen
Well, aren't you just the best daughter and sister??? I KNOW this is a rough time, but my respect for you and the way you've grown just increases over the years. Stay strong, girl. Sending heart healing vibes from out here in Cali to you and your family.... Love, Robyn aka Brat
I've been listening to your songs at work all week, you are a terrific singer, and I hope I can catch your live act one day soon. I saw your dad in 2007 and it was amazing. You are the number one female vocalist around today! No one even comes close!
I just read an article about what you and your mother are going through...I could not believe some of the things you had to say...and in front of the world--!?! I hope all is well, though. :)
Just saw the tv coverage and wanted to let you know that your fans/friends are here for you, your Mom and the rest of your family. Stay strong as a family, and rise above.
Happy "Independence" Day! (I hope your family will be "independent" from this nightmare soon!)
