Jazz on Governors Island: Alex Hitchcock & Friends
Update: Unfortunately, this event has been canceled due to the weather forecast for tomorrow. We will notify guests if a rescheduled date can be arranged. We're very sorry for the inconvenience, and hope to see you on the island on another date this fall!
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Visiting from London, saxophonist Alex Hitchcock invites acclaimed double bassist Solomon Gottfried to explore music by their favourite composers including Thelonious Monk and Billy Strayhorn, stitched together by free improvisation. They play together for the first time in this format, celebrating the upcoming release of new music for duos recorded in New York and London.
Alex Hitchcock, Saxophone || Solomon Gottfried, Double Bass
ABOUT THE ARTIST
London-born Alex Hitchcock is a leading international voice on the saxophone. An Ivor Novello-nominated composer and described by The Guardian as a “virtuoso” saxophonist, his innovative collaborations have confirmed a growing reputation as a catalyst for musical encounters that continually push the envelope a little further.
An awarded composer and recording artist, Hitchcock has released music as a leader on New Soil, Edition Records, Whirlwind Recordings, and Fresh Sound New Talent. Dream Band: Live in London (2023) was Jazzwise Editor’s Album of the Year. Recognition for his work includes the Peter Whittingham Award, the Conad Jazz Prize at the Umbria Jazz Festival, and selection for Sound and Music’s In Motion cohort in 2026. Working between London and New York resulted in Letters From Afar (2025), which was selected as a Stereogum and NPR Album of the Week. He arranged and performed on Jasper Høiby’s 2025 release We Must Fight, reworking the landmark Phronesis catalogue for an oud, flute, and saxophone frontline.
His work has been featured by the BBC, France Musique, WDR, JazzFM, Worldwide FM, and in publications including DownBeat, MOJO, Jazzwise, Musica Jazz, Stereogum, and Uncut. He has become known for distinctive contributions in a wide variety of musical contexts. His own music is at times intense and chaotic, at others disarmingly sparse and emotionally direct, inspired by the radical tradition of Black American music.
VENUE
The Glass Clouds Ensemble House (Building 14, Nolan Park) is a beautiful community arts space with cozy seating, art exhibits, and sound installations.
Governors Island is a short ferry from Manhattan and Brooklyn – ferry schedule & more info. It's a great place to spend a weekend day, rain or shine, with lots of art, bike paths, and food trucks!
TICKETS
Walk-ins welcome but RSVP suggested! Free event with optional donation.
Donations help support our community space on Governors Island. The Glass Clouds Ensemble presents and hosts free concerts, artist residencies, and interactive installations every weekend from May through October, and we greatly appreciate your support!