Alexander - Methods To Madness (2020)

With the release of the album Methods To Madness a new phase begins for the Rotterdam pianist, composer and producer Alexander van Popta (1987). Because after achieving successes as a band leader of Re: Freshed Orchestra and sideman with Giovanca, Benjamin Herman, Teus Nobel and Gregory Porter, this is his debut under his own name.

For the album, ALEXANDER teamed up with bassist Thomas Pol, drummer Jamie Peet and guitarist Jelle Roozenburg. The quartet likes to venture into unknown territory, which means that the compositions constantly take on new forms. Expect spontaneity, adventure and collective improvisation.

Van Popta was admitted to the jazz department of the Rotterdam Conservatory at the age of 18, where he was taught by Kris Goessens, Rob van Bavel and Ilja Reijngoud. He also took master classes from Barry Harris, Richard Bona, Jeff Ballard, Baptiste Trotignon and Joshua Redman. After graduating, he flew to New York to take lessons with Aaron Parks. The Rotterdammer has now performed in dozens of countries in Europe, Asia, North and South America. In recent years he has regularly worked as an arranger for the world famous Metropole Orchestra. He worked on projects for Trijntje Oosterhuis, De Jeugd Van Today, Broederllief and Cory Wong. In addition, Alexander can be heard on the acclaimed Red Bull Uncut sessions by Yung Nnelg, RIMON and Fresku.