Alex Shames’ musical life began very young. After discovering his father’s drum set in the basement of their New Jersey home, Alex began taking private drum lessons at age 6. After moving to Sarasota, FL, Alex began teaching himself bass, guitar and piano while a student at the Out of Door Academy. After graduating in 2009, he was accepted to the Florida State University’s College of Music Jazz Program where he studied under Leon Anderson, Jr. While studying, Alex began teaching private lessons for drums, bass and guitar as well as working for Tampa’s Straz Center Patel Conservatory Summer Programs between semesters. Alex graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music, and returned to Sarasota to begin teaching privately and performing around the state.
In 2014, Alex met and auditioned for Laney Jones, joining as a member of her “Lively Spirits” touring band. Alex played drums, percussion and sang backing vocals for touring dates in 2014 and 2015, as well as on Laney’s eponymous album released in 2016. After parting with Laney, Alex returned to Sarasota where he resumed teaching privately and began playing full time with Grateful Dead tribute band Ship of Fools, alternative band Spark Notes, and his own math rock project Einaris. In 2018, Alex moved to Nashville to begin Shames Music, his own lessons and entertainment studio. Contact Alex today if you’re interested in music lessons for you or for your loved ones, or if you’re in need of world class percussion, bass, guitar, or vocals for your next creative project.
Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox
Artist: Ship of Fools
Watkins Glen Summer Jam 1973 Revival Show, Sarasota Sky Bar, July 29, 2017