Biography

Alex Coke
e-mail: alexcoke@xs4all.nl



Alex Coke, born in Dallas, Texas, received his B.A. from the University Of Colorado at Boulder in
1976, with emphasis on flute performance. An original member of the Austin-based Creative
Opportunity Orchestra, Coke has performed with Tina Marsh in various formations for over 25
years. Before moving to Amsterdam in the early '90's he received several local awards
including:

  • 1990 Best Saxophonist, Music City Critics Poll/Austin Texas

  • 1990 Best Jazz Bands Music City Critics Poll/Austin Texas
    (Countenance #1, and Worthy Constituents #3)

  • 1990 Best Unsigned Bands Musician Magazine
    (Countenance, and Worthy Constituents)

  • 1988-1989 Best Jazz Band, Austin Chronicle Music Awards
    (Chris Duarte and Justus)

    From 1990-2000 he toured and recorded with the internationally renowned Dutch jazz group,
    theWillem Breuker Kollektief. An improvisor at heart, Coke's eclectic attitude has led him to
    explore everything from Be-Bop to Huddie Ledbetter. His flute studies have ranged from Eric
    Dolphy to Indian ragas on the bamboo flute to extended flute techniques such as those
    researched by Robert Dick, Ann LaBerge and Wil Offermans.

    Coke's multifarious bands include the Live Action Brass Band, the Leadbelly Legacy Band, New
    Texas Swing, and his post-bop quintet, The Worthy Constituents, a collaboration with longtime
    partner, pianist Rich Harney with Martin Banks on trumpet. Coke and Harney have recently
    released a new cd of spirituals called "Soul Prayers." He has worked with Gerald Wilson, Charles
    Tolliver, the Paradise Regained Orchestra and the Trio Henk de Jonge. He can also be heard
    with the John Jordan Trio, the Mysterious Quartet From Helsinki featuring Chris Duarte, Rob
    Verdurmen's Double Drummer Bill, as well as the recent Greezy Wheels CD HipPOP.

    Coke's most recent release, entitled "Wake Up DeadMan/Iraqnophobia," features two large group
    compositions commisioned by Tina Marsh and The Creative Opportunity Orchestra. It was
    recorded in the fall of 2004 and is on the VoxLox label which spotlights humanitarian and
    ecological causes.

    Coke has also written original works thoughout the years for various groups including:

    The Worthy Constituents
    Creative Opportunity Orchestra
    J.A.M.A.D.
    New Texas Swing
    Carl Smith Tentet
    Ramone Herman and Labor of Love

    More information may be found at:
    http://www.xs4all.nl/~alexcoke/