Alan Pasqua

Alan Pasqua excels as both a keyboardist and an instructor, favoring intricate post-bop jazz expressions. Beyond leading his jazz trio in recordings, his raw organ lines and synthesizer layers appear on successful tracks by Eddie Money and Giant. Additional contributions include performances alongside Bob Dylan, Carlos Santana, Rick Springfield, Pat Benatar, and Sammy Hagar.

Pasqua's heritage in music extends deep into his familial background. In New Jersey during his youth, he pursued classical piano instruction. As a teenager, rock and jazz ensembles became his playing grounds. Following high school completion, Indiana University welcomed him as a student. In the early 1970s, pianist Jaki Byard guided his further studies at Boston's New England Conservatory of Music. Roommate drummer Peter Erskine provided an opportunity to substitute for the unwell Stan Kenton during a brief tour. Subsequently, jazz icon Joe Williams employed him and offered guidance to the emerging talent. Instructor George Russell endorsed Pasqua for a session with renowned jazz drummer Tony Williams. Post a Carnegie Hall appearance in New York, Williams invited him into Tony Williams' Lifetime, featuring guitarist Alan Holdsworth and bassist Tony Newton. The group's Believe It album marked Pasqua's initial recording involvement.

Choosing the financially rewarding field of rock & roll prompted a relocation to Los Angeles, where he reconnected with Bruce Botnick, producer from Tony Williams' projects and known for work with the Doors. As a CBS Records staff producer, Botnick enlisted Pasqua for a recording with emerging singer Eddie Money, whose successes included "Two Tickets to Paradise" and "Baby Hold on to Me." Studio and touring work with Money ensued. His reputation as a sought-after session player led to soundtrack appearances in The Color Purple, Fatal Attraction, and An Officer and a Gentleman.

Leading his own projects, Pasqua launched in 1994 with Milagro, enlisting bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and saxophonist Michael Brecker. Dedications followed in 1995, again incorporating Holland and drummer Paul Motian. Russian Peasant arrived in 2000. That year also saw The Music of Eric Von Essen, Vol. 1, featuring Alan Broadbent, Alex Cline, Nels Cline, and Peter Erskine. Subsequent solo releases encompassed Body and Soul in 2004, New Old Friend in 2005, and Anti Social Club in 2007.

Joining the USC Thornton School of Music faculty in 2008 as Professor of Jazz Studies came next. His solo endeavors resumed three years later with Twin Bill: Two Piano Music of Bill Evans, then the live recording The Interlochen Concert, captured at the Michigan arts institution with drummer Erskine and bassist Darek Oles. Northern Lights emerged in 2017 as a studio album involving bassist Oles, drummer Conor Malloy, and percussionist Aaron Serfaty.