Alan Pasqua
Professor
- Program:Jazz Studies
- Instrument:Piano
Biography
Alan Pasqua, Steinway Piano Artist and Professor of Jazz Studies at USC Thornton School of Music, has played and recorded with Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette, Paul Motion, Dave Holland, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Joe Henderson, Stanley Clarke, Gary Burton, James Moody, Gary Peacock, Gary Bartz, Reggie Workman, Vince Mendoza, The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Sheila Jordan and Joe Williams. Aside from his many critically acclaimed recordings as a leader, in 2008, Alan Pasqua joined forces with Peter Erskine and Dave Carpenter, arranging, co-producing and playing on the Grammy Award nominated trio album “Standards”. His latest release, “Twin Bill” (BFM JAZZ) features Pasqua recorded on two pianos, playing the music of Bill Evans and has achieved critical acclaim, including a 4 star Downbeat review.
While performing a concert at Carnegie Hall, Pasqua met the legendary drummer Tony Williams. Alan Pasqua was asked to join The New Tony Williams Lifetime along with guitarist Allan Holdsworth. After recording two “Lifetime” albums for Columbia Records, Pasqua relocated in Los Angeles. His career in L.A. broadened as he started playing with more rock and pop artists. He has been a member of the bands of Bob Dylan and Santana. Some of his other pop album and touring credits include: Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Queen Latifa. In addition, he has worked with composers John Williams, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini and on motion picture soundtracks. Also, Alan composed the soundtrack for Disney’s hit movie, The Waterboy, and is a co-composer for the CBS Evening News Theme.
Academic degrees
- BM in jazz studies with a distinction in performance, New England Conservatory of Music
Studied with:
Sidney Foster, Jaki Byard, Thad Jones, George Russell, Madame Chaloff