StableMates (Dale Alexander: piano, Gary Raynor: bass, & Jay Epstein: drums) have been musical comrades for several decades. Their repertoire is swinging Jazz standards of the Great American Songbook and the classic post-bop material of progressive piano trio. The group was initially formed out of their musical connections with Brazilian pianist Manfredo Fest, with whom Raynor & Epstein played and Alexander studied.
They’ve played at Crooner’s, MetroNOME, Icehouse, Volstead’s, Smack Shack, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, KJ’s Hideaway, The Lexington, The Dakota, MetroNOME & others, also as a backup trio with vocalists Lila Ammons, Prudence Johnson, Jake Baldwin, Thomasina Petrus, & Bruce Henry.
Growing up in Minneapolis, pianist and drummer Dale Alexander’s first band was a trio with Prince and Andre Cymone. He recorded with Prince on the 94 East Street CD project right before Prince signed his solo contract. Subsequently, Dale was touring with Prince on the Sign ‘O the Times World tour as the drummer for Madhouse (the opening act for the tour). Dales has performed and recorded with many musical legends like George Benson – Everett Harp – Larry Graham – Harry ‘Sweets’ Edison – Frank Morgan – Billy Eckstine – John Heard Herb Ellis – Phil Upchurch – Eric Burdon (War)- Buddy Miles (Jimmy Hendrix) – Edgar Winter Jimmy Smith – Diane Reeves – Barbara Morrison – Glen Frey – Jimmy Buffet – Billy Taylor – The Temptations – Sheila E – Prince – Andre Cymone – Slash (Guns & Roses) – Jimmy Jam – Terri Lewis – Glen Frey (Eagles) – Robbie Kreiger (The Doors) – Marilyn Manson – John Denver – Motown recording legend Wa Wah Watson. Dale was a 2010 Grammy Nominee. Visit StableMates website for much more insight:
http://stablematesjazz.weebly.com