Alex Bugnon on his musical mentors, odd jobs, funk, and his love of Harlem

WBGO | By Pat Prescott

Published March 27, 2025 at 4:10 PM EDT

Jazz pianist Alex Bugnon performs during Army Entertainment's sold out Friday Night Jazz & Wine concert Nov. 9 at Fort Sam Houston Theatre. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, IMCOM Public Affairs — Alex Bugnon has been a prolific, energetic force on the contemporary music scene for almost three decades.

WBGO's Favorite Things host Pat Prescott sits down with long-time friend, pianist Alex Bugnon. Alex talks about his early mentors, his uncle, Donald Byrd, and Herbie Hancock, odd jobs he had in college, and his love of funk and Harlem.

Alex is coming to New Jersey on April 19th, as WBGO Presents All That Jazz at Hamilton Stage for two shows, 5pm and 8pm. For more info, please go here.

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Pat Prescott

Pat Prescott is a native of Hampton Virginia and a graduate of Northwestern University. After 5 years teaching middle school, she started her radio career in New Orleans, Louisiana at WYLD-FM. After a brief stint at New Orleans legendary rock station WNOE, she moved to New York to host the midday show at former heritage jazz station WRVR. During her 23 years on New York radio, Pat worked at WBLS, WLIB, The National Black News Network and contemporary jazz station CD 101.9.

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