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Alvin Atkinson, Jr.

Alvin Atkinson, Jr., six-time Jazz Ambassador, drummer, bandleader and Jazz educator, has traveled the globe performing America’s classical music. As an ambassador of jazz, Atkinson possesses the characteristics of a diplomat whether he’s performing in front of a large audience in Saudi Arabia, working with college students in Jordan, or working with middle school children in New York City. Atkinson formed Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants in New York City in 2004. The group combines jazz and blues influences with inflections of various rhythms and melodies from around the world. The group's first recording project, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants, received nominations for "Best International Jazz Song" from the First Annual 2007 Toronto Exclusive Magazine Awards and "Best Jazz Song" from the Seventh Annual Independent Music Awards in 2007 for the composition “Dance of the Emirates.” In 2007 and 2008, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants, traveled to the Middle East and Russia. In addition to the tours with his own group, Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad Program coordinators selected Atkinson to lead the Rhythm Road All-Stars Group. Native of North Carolina, Atkinson grew up in a musical family where both of his parents performed in touring gospel groups. He attended North Carolina Central University under the tutelage of Dr. Ira Wiggins. While a student, he performed with jazz notables Ellis Marsalis, Houston Person, Freddie Redd, Tom Browne, Maceo Parker, Shirley Scott, Branford Marsalis and Jimmy Heath.

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212

Performance / Tour

U.S. Sends Musicians to Make Overtures in War Zones.

U.S. Sends Musicians to Make Overtures in War Zones.

Source: All About Jazz

In March four musicians from Alvin Atkinson and The Sound Merchants, traveled with the U.S. State Department for a new diplomacy program called Musicial Overtures.

When pianist Jonathan Lefcoski walked into a rehearsal at a Baghdad music club, he didn't know what to expect. He didn't know whether the Iraqi musicians would welcome him or whether they'd know how to play the same music he did.

Within minutes, however, Lefcoski and an Iraqi bass player were working their way through ...

Sound Merchants' Virtuoso Jazz Crosses Cultures, Thrills Dubai Audience Consulate General of the United States

The U.S. jazz quartet Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants performed to an enthusiastic crowd of invited guests February 22 at the Dubai Community Theater and Arts Center (DUCTAC), earning a standing ovation for their mix of bebop, swing and classic jazz numbers. Consul General Paul Sutphin introduced the group, noting that blues and jazz music is a vital US contribution to global culture, and plays an important part promoting cross-cultural understanding, particularly between the Middle East and the United States. The Sound Merchants performance at DUCTAC was made possible through the generous support of the Dubai Cultural Council and the Dubai Community Theater.

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Primary Instrument

Drums

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

As an educator, Alvin served as the Visiting Professor of Drum-set Studies at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada during the 2004-2005 school year. In addition to performing, he has taught at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy, The Bronx Academy and The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City.

Alvin works with students on all levels, beginning to advanced.

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Music

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