Local Jazz Artist Boosts Pop Stars; Touring With Queen Latifah

by MissionViejoDispatch.com on May 27, 2008

    When Alex Navarro  isn’t on the road with Queen Latifah, or working with other pop stars, he serves as music director for Mount of Olives Church.  He’s achieved a reputation in the entertainment industry as a fresh talent and arranger from Mission Viejo.

    Alex’s recent credits reflect how far his talent advanced since his first gig at age 11, playing piano for a Baptist Church in Texas: 

  • Carly Simon (photo) - arranger and keyboardist for Carly’s Grammy-nominated album, Moonlight Serenade.
  • Art Garfunkel – musical contributor to Garfunkel’s album, Some Enchanted Evening.
  • Engelbert Humperdink – arranged and performed on Humperdink’s album, Winding Road, and toured with Engelbert.
  • Queen Latifah – currently touring with the Grammy Award winner, featuring Queen Latifah’s latest album, Trav’lin’ Light; tour included promotional performances on the Regis & Kelly Show, Jay Leno, and Today Show, culminating with a performance on the American Music Awards.
  • Rod Stewart – arranging and performing on Rod’s latest project, to be released later this year.

    On his own time Alex enjoys sharing his compositions.  He toured Latin America and Japan promoting his jazz stylings, and has performed at venues throughout Southern California.  But he tells the Dispatch, “I love coming home to Mission Viejo after touring or a recording session in L.A.”

    Alex has shared his skills by instructing students since 1994.  He enjoys teaching local young people through the Arts Alive program at Mount of Olives.  His formal studies were at the Houston Baptist University Music School, Preparatory Division, and from the University of North Texas, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. [Alex's Website]

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