About

Alexis Marcelo: Pianist & Composer

Alexis Marcelo is a New York City-based pianist and composer whose work sits at the intersection of deep tradition and avant-garde exploration. Born into the vibrant cultural tapestry of 1980s and 90s New York, Marcelo’s identity as a Black Latino artist is woven into a sound that is as much about neighborhood rhythm as it is about cosmic harmony.

Musical Philosophy & Education

Marcelo’s foundational classical training at the Harlem School of the Arts led him to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he earned a degree in African-American Music/Jazz Piano. It was here that he forged a pivotal mentorship with the legendary Dr. Yusef Lateef.

Marcelo remains a dedicated practitioner of Lateef’s autophysiopsychic concept—a holistic approach to music that originates from the physical, mental, and spiritual self. This philosophy guides his commitment to "deep listening" and ensures his improvisations are always in dialogue with his immediate environment and the self.

Solo Artistry & Recent Releases

A major milestone in Marcelo's career is the recent release of his solo record on Intakt Records. This project serves as a definitive statement of his creative evolution, capturing the "limitless possibilities of the universe" through the piano.

His recent discography also includes the 2024 record Nananom Xu, featuring JD Parran and Daniel Carter, and his work with the hip-hop/improvised music duo Lexiglass, alongside drummer Will Glass.

Collaborative Range

A versatile collaborator, Marcelo has performed at prestigious venues such as the Paris Philharmonic and the North Sea Jazz Festival. His resume spans the vanguard of jazz and the pillars of hip-hop and experimental rock, including work with:

• Jazz Pioneers: James Brandon Lewis, David Murray, Craig Harris, and Adam Rudolph.

• Poets & Icons: Abiodun Oyewole (The Last Poets), Malcolm Mooney (CAN), and the GZA (Wu-Tang Clan).