Alex Sill: Biography & Album Information
Biography
Alex Sill is an acclaimed American jazz-fusion guitarist, composer, and bandleader based in Los Angeles, California. Born into a rich musical lineage (grandson of legendary music producer Lester Sill), he began playing piano and guitar in his early teens. Sill quickly rose to prominence by winning the rock category of Lee Ritenour's Six String Theory International Guitar Competition and studying jazz composition at CalArts under mentors like Larry Koonse and Steve Vai. Known for his sophisticated post-bop harmonic vocabulary, intricate rhythm work, and soaring lyrical technique inspired by guitar legends like Allan Holdsworth and Pat Metheny, Sill gained international acclaim as the lead guitarist for legendary Toto drummer Simon Phillips' Protocol band. He is also celebrated for his high-profile tribute performances honoring Allan Holdsworth alongside fusion luminaries such as Virgil Donati and Jimmy Johnson.
Key Albums & Discography
- Montana Suite (as Trifield Guitar Project, 2013): An expansive, multi-guitar long-form compositional debut born from the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival, featuring cutting-edge acoustic and electric interplay.
- Experiences: Real and Imaginary (Solo Album, 2019): His critically lauded debut solo album exploring themes of Jungian psychology and "interior cinema". Produced with top-tier Los Angeles jazz musicians, the record features special guest appearances by legendary Grammy and Academy Award-winning pianist/composer Dave Grusin.
- Simon Phillips’ Protocol – Protocol V (2022): A landmark progressive jazz-fusion powerhouse release featuring high-energy compositions co-written by Sill and Simon Phillips, showcasing blistering guitar and keyboard interplay.
Alex Sill is a monster jazz fusion guitarist - Live with Simon Phillips' Protocol 6
"Rain Dance" guitar solo with Jeff Lorber Fusion