Reviews for Alex Moxon Quartet:

“Moxon is a shining example of what true musicality means and how it is meant to evolve from composition to performance… His single-note lines are beautifully moulded, the sound of his phrases are exquisitely elliptical. He turns harmony inside out, as on Piety in Crescent Park, and his sense of time is flawless. This is evident all over the repertoire of this album” -Raul de Gama, The Whole Note Full Review

"Technically, this musician seems to be able to do everything. The main thing is that he still has something to say... This is a talented and interesting musician, and one must think that his boat from the album cover still has a long and interesting voyage ahead of him… The mutual understanding of the musicians deserves the kindest words, and Boudreau's playing, especially in the final composition Romantique, where Boudreau and Moxon have a deeply emotional dialogue, I would note..." -Leonid Auskern, Jazz Square Full Review

"Alex has not only undeniable command of the guitar but an inspiring fire in his playing. His new record draws on Ottawa’s talented pool of musicians and pushes them to realize a strong musical statement. What a great vibe… modern, relevant and thoughtful!” Petr Cancura, saxophonist and programming director of Ottawa International Jazz Festival Website

"The self-released, self-titled album by the Alex Moxon Quartet has the Canadian guitarist, 30, leading his crack unit of pianist Steve Boudreau, bassist John Geggie and drummer Michel Delage through seven of his originals and two terrific covers which includes a total surprise. The first cover is opener “In A Capricornian Way” by trumpet pioneer Woody Shaw [1944-1989]. The surprise is a slam-dunk: Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun” has never sounded like this. Moxon makes a grunge classic into a new jazz standard. His guitar playing throughout is exemplary and there’s no doubting Moxon will have a long and illustrious career." -Mike Greenblatt at Goldminemag Full Review

"The distinctive and well-executed music on Alex Moxon Quartet more than holds up... blending shards of the blues, modal motifs and flashes of guitar wizardry" -Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen Full Review

This is an album rich with moments which take the listener on a journey through human emotions. At times ethereal, as with ‘Mining for Gold’, at other times searching as with the pensive beauty in the opening of ‘Black Hole Sun’. I was particularly struck with the driving urgency of “Scientology” as I wove through the album before it closed out with the gorgeous interplay of Moxon with Steve Boudreau’s piano. Alex Moxon’s eponymous 2020 release is a welcome query and respite in uncertain times- Kellylee Evans, Juno Award winning vocalist and songwriter Website

Alex Moxon Quartet is one of those rare albums that as soon as you hear the first notes you know it's going to be good… Moxon has created a sensitive and evocative collection of contemporary jazz compositions that are masterfully produced and skillfully played. Alex's guitar is at the fore with exquisite lines and a fluidity that is soaring and sophisticated. His accompanying musicians are equally talented with a cohesiveness and timelessness that is transporting throughout the album. An exceptional debut that will certainly garner recognition for all involved. -Memphis Marty at The Jazz Music Blog Full Review

"One can hear that the quartet has played many times together as they communicate perfectly and sound like a unit... The step from sideman to leader is never an easy one, Moxon has delivered a wonderful first record and shown that his time is now!" -Wulf Muller at all that jazz (and more) Full Review

"This is a genuine, intimate and sophisticated statement of a talented Ottawa musician. Alex Moxon Quartet's album conveys an articulated course of its tracks and the togetherness of a team" -Miguel De Armas, pianist and member of NG La Banda Orchestra Website

"The Alex Moxon Quartet's new album is full of unexpected twists, turns and sharp angles - the esoteric melodies and unorthodox progressions never veer towards the obvious - yet the solid grooves keep the entire thing firmly anchored and soulfully swinging. Moxon in particular displays an impressive range of sonic possibilities on the guitar, but the rest of the group also shows a surprising affinity to his idiosyncratic conceptions. Their nod to Woody Shaw (one of my favourite jazz composers since discovering Larry Young's 'Unity' as a teen) is worth the price of admission alone." -Pierre Chretien, pianist and bandleader of Souljazz Orchestra Website

”Alex Moxon clearly has that touch of “je ne sais quoi” which makes him profile as a versatile musician who feels at home in all situations. A stakeholder of the current guitar jazz, as it were, who ignores archetypes and broadens horizons. The perfectly thought-out division of roles of the four musicians in his quartet ensures a continuous attraction.” -Georges Tonla Briquet at JazzHalo Full Review

“In a word, thoughtful. Alex Moxon weaves together every element that makes guitar-focused jazz special - slow burning yet surprising narrative arcs, graceful and restrained melodies, and stunning solo pieces - all executed with maturity and sensitivity.” -Renee Yoxon, singer and trans voice teacher Website

”Alex’s first recording as leader is a beautiful musical journey. Each piece- seven of which are his own- tells its own story, but the journey is larger. The overall ride from the first note until the last on the recording takes us through a wealth of moods, colours, dances and changing landscapes. This is a wonderful recording! - Roddy Ellias, guitar virtuoso Website

"...Alex has a very good sound... a guitar sound inherent to Alex, and it is diverse as well as the compositions of the album… It is a very good debut album as a composer, as a musician and as a leader. Alex has put together… musicians who are well played and understand each other well, and I hope that they will continue this collaboration" -Konstantin Grehvos at Disco “80 Full Review

“…originally recorded by Soundgarden. Moxon takes [Black Hole Sun] in a new direction, replacing grunge with a dreamy, almost meditative vibe. This is a gorgeous rendition of a well-known song and kudos to Moxon for not being afraid to reinvent it.” -David Reed at Belleville Intelligencer Full Review

”This is a various, but consistently interesting, disc from which a strong sense of the talented leader’s musical personality emerges… As it is, this first album seems certain to make frequent visits to my CD player” -Glyn Pursglove at MusicWeb International Full Review

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Year End Lists:

Tim Mah's Recommended Canadian Jazz Albums of 2020.

Peter Hum’s Jazz Blog (best made-in-Ottawa jazz album of 2020)

Clarence Verhooven's List of Best Canadian Jazz Albums 2020

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Written Interviews

Talking Albums

https://apt613.ca/talking-albums-alex-moxon/

Ottawa Citizen

https://ottawacitizen.com/entertainment/ottawa-guitarist-juggles-multiple-jazzfest-gigs-you-have-to-make-hay-while-the-sun-shines

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Radio Interviews

Canada's Cool Culture

https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/598/53663.html?fbclid=IwAR31ndNzuDFVtx3faLkDDfhAFheoUk8wHsWYmMJ_po_khJtL_v-h0lf0QTM

In a Mellow Tone w/ Bernard Stepien

https://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/94/49477.html