| There's No Hiding
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When you've got it, you've got it. But how long will it take  you to realize what it is? Well, it took Alex Han until he was about 9 to discover that he was harboring an amazing gift. By the time he was 11 years old, he was playing the saxophone professionally. Starting at age 7, Han played the recorder, something his parents thought would offer him creative outlet while still being an educational activity. Within a year, Han had moved on to the saxophone, and his parents purchased his first instrument, a Yamaha custom alto sax with a black lacquer finish. And he was off and running.  Han made a demo CD, which eventually ended up being played for Paquito D'Rivera, who was sure he was listening to Benny Carter. Han's father John took him to the Blue Note in New York to meet D'Rivera one evening. The two have developed quite a friendship since then, with D'Rivera acting as a mentor for Han. Coincidentally, the two found that they both play the same black lacquer alto sax. Han's career has taken off in a big way. At 13, Han has performed all over New York City--Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, Times Square, and Gracie Mansion, home of New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. His  travels have taken him abroad, as well. He went to Uraguay in January to play at the 6th Annual Punta del Este International Jazz Festival with the likes of D'Rivera and Jon Faddis, and recently returned from a trip to Holland, where he performed at The North Sea Jazz Festival.Han's natural melodic skill has a way of bowling over even the most seasoned professional. And yet, after he's gone to his lessons and put in some time practicing, he still does the same thing that every 13-year-old does: homework, play video games with friends, and just be a teenager. Only this teenager takes a | trip every now and again to perform in front of thousands of people. And he loves that. "I really like playing at festivals. It's so cool. I get to meet a lot of great musicians and I get to play for a lot of people who like jazz." What's not to like about that? --For more information about Alex Han, see his website at www.alexhanonline.com. |
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the professional route. He's taking lessons, and learning how to read music. He's also delving more into the history of jazz, listening to the different styles of both the old names and the new. Along the way, he's making quite a name for himself; chances are, when the time comes, Han will have his pick of music schools to attend.