Jazz saxophonist and composer Alex Loran joins Rodger Hara to discuss The Quest, her debut album inspired by the timeless theme of the hero’s journey. Loran reflects on growing up in Boulder, studying jazz performance at CU Boulder, and the mentors who helped shape her musical path. She also shares the stories behind several of the album’s original compositions and previews her upcoming performances, including an appearance at the Atom Jazz Festival in Longmont. KGNU is proud to be a sponsor of this year’s Atom Jazz Festival, which celebrates jazz artists from across Northern Colorado. (Air Date 7/2/26).
Listen to the interview here:
Transcript:
Rodger Hara: Alex, have I got you?
Alex Loran: Hello?
Rodger Hara: There you are. Hi. How are you tonight?
Alex Loran: I’m good, thanks. How are you?
Rodger Hara: I’m fine, thank you. Talk about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? How did you get into jazz?
Alex Loran: I grew up mainly in Boulder. I went to Boulder High School and then CU Boulder, where I studied jazz performance and graduated in 2024.
When I was three or four, my parents put me in piano lessons. My piano teacher was primarily a jazz saxophonist, Danny Meyer, who lived here for a long time before moving to New York, and I think he’s in Japan now. He really inspired me to play the saxophone and get into jazz. He made me a deal that if I kept practicing piano, I could try the saxophone the summer before fifth grade. I did, and I fell in love with it.
That’s what I’ve been doing ever since. My dad is also a huge jazz fan, so I heard a lot of jazz around the house growing up.
Rodger Hara: That’s really great. What inspired the compositions you wrote for The Quest?
Alex Loran: The Quest as a whole is about the archetypal hero’s journey. The title track, “The Quest,” was written specifically around that idea. I also included other songs I’d written recently that fit the overall theme.
The first tune you played, “Question Mark,” was actually the first composition I ever wrote. I was a sophomore in high school, sitting in the band room during lunch, noodling around on my soprano saxophone. I found a melody I liked and decided to write my first composition.
It’s called “Question Mark” because I couldn’t think of a title. I brought it to my group at the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts with a question mark written on the page, and the other musicians said, “You should just call it ‘Question Mark.’ That’s a cool name.” So I went with it.
“The Sky’s Always Clear Again” was written two or three years ago. I started with the opening melody that the soprano saxophone and trombone play together. I knew I wanted it to be a really happy, upbeat tune. After listening back to it, it reminded me of the phrase, “This too shall pass.” It made me think about a big rainstorm and how difficult times eventually pass, and you’ll see sunny skies again.
Rodger Hara: I really like the energy and feel of that song.
Alex Loran: Thank you.
Rodger Hara: Before we talk about your upcoming performances, who were the other musicians on The Quest?
Alex Loran: I played alto and soprano saxophone. Will Foster played baritone saxophone. Rafael Castillo Halverson played trumpet and flugelhorn. Nate Bitter played trombone. Daniel Trujillo played vibraphone. Annie Booth played piano. Danny Garcia played bass, and Paul Romaine played drums.
Rodger Hara: You’ve got a couple of gigs coming up. Want to tell us about those?
Alex Loran: Absolutely. In just a couple of days, I’ll be performing with my quintet at the City of Longmont’s Fourth of July Festival. Then, in August, I’ll be playing at the Atom Jazz Festival in Longmont at Left Hand Beer Garden.
I actually got both of those opportunities through the Atom Jazz Network, which is a really cool nonprofit organization. Their mission is to build a network of jazz artists, venues, and educators across Northern Colorado.
I met them a few years ago after someone recommended me to play with the Atom Jazz Collective. I subbed in with the band, had a great time, and have played with them many times since. They’re really wonderful people: Todd Venzuela, Adisa Nickerson, and Tobin Munsat. Todd plays bass, Adisa is a trumpet player, and Tobin is a great drummer. It’s especially nice because it’s run by musicians, for musicians.
Rodger Hara: That’s great. What time is the show on Saturday in Longmont, and where will it be?
Alex Loran: I’ll be performing on the Firecracker Stage. There are three stages, and the Firecracker Stage is on First Avenue between Main Street and Emery Street. I’ll be playing from 5:15 to 6:15.
Rodger Hara: And the Atom Jazz Festival in August—what are the dates?
Alex Loran: It runs August 21 through 23. On Saturday and Sunday, August 22 and 23, there will be music from noon until 9:00 p.m. I’ll be performing on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.
Rodger Hara: Can people buy copies of The Quest at both of those shows?
Alex Loran: Yes. I’ll have plenty of copies available, and it’s also streaming on pretty much every streaming platform.
Rodger Hara: Alex, it’s been great talking with you tonight. I enjoy your music very much, and I predict a great future for you. I hope you’ll continue recording.
I encourage my listeners to head over to Longmont on Saturday night to hear Alex and her group. Then, in August, come back to Longmont and enjoy all of the outstanding young musicians that Atom—A-T-O-M—has brought together in support of live jazz.
Best of luck, Alex, and keep up the great work.
Alex Loran: Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Rodger Hara: You’re welcome. Thanks for calling.
