I was born in Dallas, Texas on November 7th, 1989. My parents divorced when I was two years old after which I moved to West Memphis, Arkansas a little town across the river from Memphis, Tennessee with my mom. I basically grew up in the Delta and music was always a huge influence on my life; Memphis, Tennessee being the ‘birthplace of rock & roll’ and ‘home of the blues’ has a rich and pulsating music scene.
I grew up listening to oldie rock n’ rollers like Elvis Presley and Ritchie Valens. At age eight or nine my dad had gotten a Stevie Ray Vaughan (SRV) tape. I was awestruck by the incredible sound. It was very strange for me at first and sounded like nothing I’d ever heard before. There was never much to do in West Memphis so I looked for a way to occupy myself. I was eleven when I first picked up guitar and by that time I broadened my scope to more contemporary rock.
Beale St. is a throbbing music scene in Memphis, known as the ‘home of the blues’, that became a second home to me. I was there at least every weekend, learning, playing and having fun. The music was great and good food and friends were never in short supply. I jammed acoustic quite often with my guitar teacher Kirk Smithart at a club called Alfred’s. Kirk’s one of the best players in Memphis and one of my biggest influences; he was a mentor for me.
They city would close Beale St. off so you could walk up and down freely and enjoy the music. I would play with an Indian guy named Butch Mudbone and a “Louisiana mojo queen” named Ms. Zeno. Butch played a lot of old B.B. King and Albert King. Ms. Zeno could sing just as well as anyone I have ever heard. It was a variety show with me doing a Hendrix and SRV bit then sitting in with either Butch or Ms. Zeno while they did their thing. When I messed up during a song Butch, while playing, would sometimes walk over and slap me upside the head. The bass player who jammed with us had previously played with Albert King and loved to play SRV and Hendrix so we got along well. I frequented many venues in Memphis including B.B. Kings Blues Club with the oldest black blues player in Memphis, Carl Drew. I loved Memphis but while visiting Austin over a school break I met Clifford Antone. He listened to my demo and suggested that I move to Austin. It was a big decision to make but my dad and I decided the move would be better for my music career.
In Austin I’ve played many local clubs; Hanover’s, Deliwerks, Antone’s, the 311 Club and many more. Recently I played at Friends on 6th Street but, because I am fifteen, they could not legally allow me into the club, so I stood on a stool outside at an open window and plugged into the amplifiers inside the club. I was playing and singing outside while the audience accompanying drummer and bass player were inside the club. The crowd went crazy, cheering for more and more.
I’ve formed the Carson Alexander Band hoping to bring a new twist to the blues-rock scene. I want to get out and play as much as possible, gain experience, have fun and entertain people. I am currently composing original material, continually developing and refining my music-writing and playing style. I think Austin is a great place for me and I truly love living here.
My main influences on guitar are: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson and Kirk Smithart (in no particular order). I have also listened to and been affected by most of the ‘greats’ such as Freddie King, Albert King and many more. I also enjoy listening to contemporary artists like John Mayer, Johnny Lang, etc.
Thanks to everyone for your support,
Carson Taylor Alexander
Please visit the Carson Alexander website.
http://www.carsonalexander.com
Please visit the Carson Alexander website.
http://www.carsonalexander.com
