“Trombonist Ferber still hasn't received the attention he deserves as one of his instrument's most adventurous exponents. Although the Northern California native is now a highly regarded New York City club date player, he continues to develop as an out-of-the-box instrumentalist and composer. Ferber's Nonet, heard to advantage on his most recent CD, "The Compass," offers an intriguing step forward for middle-sized jazz ensembles, blending crisply scored passages with fiery collective improvising.    -Don Heckman, LOS ANGELES TIMES

 
Known internationally as a virtuoso jazz trombonist, Alan also shines as a bandleader.  His debut project on Fresh Sound New Talent (Alan Ferber Nonet, “Scenes From An Exit Row”) beautifully displays his unique ability to effectively lead an ensemble through an array of intricate compositions while consistently delivering imaginative solo improvisations.  Comprised of some of New York City’s most compelling young players, “Ferber’s arrangements bring out the best of the members of his group, who are inspired by their musical surroundings and alternately play as one…” (Budd Kopman, All About Jazz NY) The Alan Ferber Nonet is in constant pursuit of finding new directions in the jazz idiom.  It’s newest explorations can be heard on it’s most recent Fresh Sound release, entitled “The Compass.” 

    
Since moving to Brooklyn in 1999, Ferber has built a solid reputation both as an ensemble player and an improviser.  It didn’t take him long to catch the attention of renowned eight-string guitarist, Charlie Hunter.  In 2001, Hunter asked him to join his working Quintet with whom Ferber toured with for a year.  Upon returning to NYC, Alan has rapidly become one of the city’s most highly demanded sideman.  He played lead trombone in a premiere of the “Sweet Ruby Suite” with Kenny Wheeler’s Large Ensemble.  He has performed extended engagements with the Lee Konitz Nonet, Don Byron’s Music For Six Musicians, the Benny Wallace Nonet, and the John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble in clubs ranging from The Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, Birdland, and Iridium. 

    
In addition to jazz, Alan has performed extensively in other genres with artists as diverse as Harry Connick Jr, Nancy Sinatra, Diana Krall, They Might Be Giants, Kelly Clarkson, Dr. Dre, Michael Buble, Paul Anka, and Broadway shows including The Producers, Fosse, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and A Chorus Line. He has appeared on TV shows including Late Night with David Letterman, the Tonight Show, The View, Beverly Hills 90210, and Good Morning America.

As a teacher, Alan has been professor in residence at the Gremio das Musicas Jazz Workshop in Portugal, the Bar Harbor Brass Week, the Maine Jazz Camp, the Guimarais Jazz Festival, and the Lafayette Summer Music Workshop.  His desire to integrate all of his varied musical experiences into one, unique voice keeps him inspired as he continues delving deeper into the NY music scene.