A gifted jazz trumpeter, Ralph Alessi is a strong proponent of the avant-garde and modern creative scene, as well as a respected educator. Based in New York City, Alessi has drawn praise for his forward-thinking albums including 2002's This Against That with guitarist David Gilmore, and his 2013 ECM debut, Baida, with pianist Jason Moran. He has also collaborated on a bevy of highly regarded albums with artists like keyboardist Uri Caine, clarinetist Don Byron, pianist Fred Hersch, and others. In addition to performing, Alessi is a dedicated educator, having worked at New England Conservatory and founded the nonprofit School for Improvisational Music. He has continued his association with ECM, releasing small group dates like 2016's Quiver, 2018's Lucent Waters, and 2023's It's Always Now.