Born in London of Bajan Parents, Alan Weekes is a trained musician with a Music Degree (Guildhall School of Music & Drama - 1987) as well as a wealth of professional playing experience at the highest levels. His passion for music is equally tempered with his passion as an accomplished educator.
Alan’s guitar style has been an important and influential part of the International and UK music stage since 1975 having been featured at some of the most prestigious festivals and concert venues worldwide. In the early eighties he was involved with the British reggae scene and played on numerous studio sessions – particularly in the ‘Lovers Rock’. He has also appeared on countless television, radio, video and highly acclaimed recordings. His recording credits as a session artiste include music legends like Art Blakey, Jimmy Cliff, Jazz Jamaica, Damian Marley, Jackie Mitto, Courtney Pine, Ernest Raglin, etc…
Known for his soulful rhythmic grooves and alluring solos in a variety of genres such as jazz, blues, reggae, ska, pop and opera, his talent has been in high demand for over 3 decades. With recent (2010) engagements at the world famous Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club he is a real ‘tour de force’ in the jazz music scene.
The immense talent that is Alan Weekes is now making his experience and unique talent accessible to those interested in learning from a Jazz maestro.
Alan Weekes – Credits.
Session:
Jean Adebambo, Aswad, Art Blakey, Pete Brown, Jimmy Cliff, Sandra Cross, Pee Wee Ellis, Victor Romero Evans, David Lynden Hall, Gregory Issacs, Jazz Jamaica, Jamelia, Clifford Jarvis, Janet Kay, Miss Lou, Damian Marley, Wynton Marsalis, Sugar Minott, Jackie Mitto, Courtney Pine, Maxi Priest, Alan Weekes Quartet, Ernest Raglin, Rico Rodriguez, Skatronics, Dick Heckstall-Smith (DHSS Band), Joss Stone, Caroll Thompson, Jazz Warriors, Trevor Walters, Cleveland Watkiss, Caron Wheeler, and many more…
Plays:
Tooth of the crime, 65 with a bullet, Regina (opera), Harder they come.
TV:
TOTP, White room, Black on Black, Club mix, Pepsi charts, Pebble Mills.
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOPS:
Senegal 1995, Jamaica 1998, Paris 2004, Japan Expo 2005.
UK WORKSHOPS:
Teaching in schools and community centres since 1984, Pyrimad Arts, Hyup/Ilea, Community Music Brixton, Hackney Downs School, Shoreditch Community College, MDMD Arts, Newham College.