Alex Layne – Harlem Jazz Icon

Alex Layne has died on April 1 2020 from complications of Corona Virus, as confirmed by his son Terence Layne and close friends, the musicians George Braith and Kiane Zawadi. My musical association with the veteran bassist spans over a quarter of a century in Harlem. Alex also plays on my latest CD, Dennis Llewellyn Day – Bossa, Blues & Ballads. I am “bluer than blue” this day.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his bride Kiyoko and his family and other friends. Alex was a first-call bassist for a number of artists and groups. As a bassist for extended periods on tours, he performed in numerous venues in Europe and Africa as a sideman with international singer Miriam Makeba and recorded with the late Jazz singer Johnny Hartman among others.

Alex was a quick study and scholarly as the son of a Harlem schoolteacher and businessman. He was conversant on a range of topics and a skilled debater. As a musician Alex was also very supportive and amiable in playing with singers and other artists in performance situations as one who always accentuated and complimented the music as first and foremost. I will miss our Socratic philosophical exchanges; always insightful, reasoned, and respectful, as was his likely inclination to dissent from popular opinion if it meant standing up for his own beliefs or perspective in deference to choosing his own path. This was a mark of his character that I always respected. Whether one agreed or disagreed with his usually well reasoned positions, Alex left no mistaking that he, Alex Layne, was his own person — autonomous, free, an independent spirit yet engaged, caring, and in full communion and collaboration with all whom he engaged, irrespective of race, creed, or color.

Alex gave to the music generously as he shared it, absorbed its beauty and energy, aspiring always to create something wonderful and magical through his shared gifts as a seasoned, professional jazz bassist. I am grateful that our paths crossed. And I feel I’m the better for having known this unique, resolute, Jazzman who loved the music and those who make it happen. A true New York City-born, Harlem-bred Jazz journeyman and icon, Alex Layne, R.I.P. And thank you for being unabashedly you!

Click here for more about Alex Layne.