Bassist - Composer - Improviser

Alex Bayer’s musical journey is defined by exploration, creativity, and a deep connection to sound. From his early childhood, where he refused to learn the recorder, to discovering the works of John Coltrane, Friedemann Graeff, and Dave Brubeck in his older brother's vinyl collection, Alex was drawn to the vibrancy of the New York downtown scene. Self-taught on the bass, he absorbed everything about music like a sponge, laying the foundation for a vision driven by freedom, emotional expression, and the desire for essential asymmetries in musical communication.

A key moment in his development was studying under professor Rudi Engel at the University of Music in Nuremberg, where he deepened his understanding of double bass technique and improvisational language, while solidifying his voice as a performer and composer.

His journey as a composer and bandleader began with the formation of Pentelho in 2008, a project that combined odd time signatures, free jazz, and beautiful melodies. The 2011 debut album led to him being called the "Bavarian answer to Charles Mingus" by Bayrischer Rundfunk. His subsequent albums, ZODIAC (2019) and RADAR (2022), showcased his unique compositional identity that transcends genres. Now, with the release of A Slight Change of Plans, Alex continues to explore new musical horizons with a quartet that blends dynamic interplay and deep emotional resonance.

As a sought-after sideman, Alex has played in a diverse range of projects, including the Volker Heuken Sextet, BADWILL, Claudia Döffinger’s Torso Ventuno Big Band, and the Baroque/improvisation crossover project Orpheus has just left the Building.

He is also a founding member of the creative music collective Metropolmusik. With numerous international performances and collaborations, Alex has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Loren Stillman, Jim Black, and Nils Wogram, among many others.

Whether leading his own groups or contributing as a sideman, Alex Bayer’s work remains a fearless and creative exploration of sound, always pushing the boundaries of jazz and improvised music.