He began his studies at the Harlem School of the Arts where he studied classical piano, music theory, and ear training. Marcelo fell in love with classical African-American music at the Harlem School through JD Parran (AACM). His love of music led him to a degree in African-American Music/Jazz Performance at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
At UMass Alexis studied composition and improvisation with Dr. Yusef Lateef.
Alexis’s current sound can be greatly attributed to his time with Dr. Yusef. Alexis began to deeply listen and study harmonies, melodies, intervals without prejudice and in truth. Seeking knowledge in order to be free and convey music from the heart. In purity and clarity. A never ending search that requires intense levels of introspection and thought. The hope is to have a deeper communication with the listener in the audience and on stage. Alexis is an ambassador of Autophysiopsychic music.
Alexis has performed overseas and domestically at various
festivals and prestigious venues which include the North Sea Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Etnafest (Italy), Alice Tully Hall, as well as international performances in Germany, Poland, Holland, and Mexico. Most recently Alexis completed a successful tour of Italy, Austria, and Poland with saxophonist James Brandon Lewis.
He has been featured on multiple albums with his mentor Yusef Lateef and can be heard on recordings with percussionist Adam Rudolph, poet/vocalist and Malcolm Mooney. Alexis has recorded his first album and hopes to have it released within the next few months.