About Us
Since the group's formation in 2011, BT ALC Big Band, led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, has reshaped the depiction of the big band ensemble. By employing the traditional instrumentation of 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones and rhythms section reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul and hip hop, BT ALC Big Band has created an undeniably unique sound they dub Big Band Funk.
BT and Alex met at UMASS Amherst studying composition and arranging with Jeff Holmes.
Experiencing the band live is always an incredibly mind blowing experience fueled by tight arrangements, virtuosic solos and a deep groove provided by their rhythm section. The BT ALC Big Band catalog of original repertoire encompassing funk, soul, hip hop, afrobeat, reggae and jazz styles, combined with a rotating cast of Boston’s heaviest hitters make each show special and equally viable at festivals, jazz clubs and theaters.
Harvard Square, Cambridge MA
BT ALC Big Band’s recorded discography includes five singles and four full length albums of original music; Superhero Dance Party (2013), The Herd Sessions Vol. 1 (2016), and The Herd Sessions Vol. 2 (2016), and The Search For Peace (Ropeadope, 2019), Africa (Ropeadope, 2019), Damn’ Right I’m Somebody (Ropeadope, 2019), Bring Forth Change feat: Eric Benny Bloom & Nigel Hall (Vintage League Music, 2020), The Iguana feat: Eric Krasno & Karl Denson (Vintage League Music, 2020) and What Will You Do feat: John Medeski (Vintage League Music, 2020). The band expects to release their 5th full length album in 2022, stay tuned!!
BT ALC Big Band demonstrates their commitment to education through clinics, workshops and performances with students throughout New England. Whether that’s an elementary student learning to make sense out of their new band instrument or a college student searching for their own improvisational and artistic voice, the focus is to help students build confidence and create their own music.
Performing at the MAJE State Festival Finals - Norwood, MA
BT ALC Big Band continues to push the art of the big band forward by utilizing a process that’s been followed by musicians for years: play the music you love, just in your own way.