Alex Burns

Alex was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1951, and began playing harmonica at just five years old. In 1967, he moved from Glasgow to London, where he immersed himself in the vibrant music scene of the time. Drawn to the soul, R&B, and reggae that were shaping the popular music landscape, Alex soon discovered the raw power of the blues. London was a hotbed for blues in the late '60s and early '70s, and Alex made it a point to see legendary touring artists like Champion Jack Dupree, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Eddie Boyd, as well as local blues acts who were making waves in the scene.

In 1970, Alex relocated to the Channel Islands, where he honed his skills as a guitarist in the tight-knit folk and blues circles. By 1973, he had moved to Australia and quickly became a fixture in the Melbourne folk club scene. Over the years, Alex has become a beloved figure in the Australian blues community, performing at countless venues and major festivals, both as a solo artist and in collaboration with virtuoso fingerpicker Nick Charles. His festival appearances have spanned Australia’s biggest blues event, the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival in Byron Bay, as well as Brisbane's steel guitar festival and even the iconic Edinburgh Festival.

Alex’s discography is a testament to his diverse musical talents and enduring passion. He has released three albums with acclaimed fingerpicker Nick Charles, along with the critically praised solo Hawaiian album Twilight Blues. After receiving numerous requests from fans, Alex recorded and released his first solo blues album, The Blues Is Here to Stay, in 2004. The following year, he followed up with Alex Burns' Adventures in Paradise, a second Hawaiian album that also received critical acclaim.

Driven by his love for a wide range of musical styles—from blues and jazz to Hawaiian and even calypso—Alex struggled for years to find the right lineup to express his eclectic tastes. That was until he met guitarist Jen Hawley, a like-minded musician with a shared love for early jazz, blues, and a touch of calypso. Together, they formed a duo that explored these genres and more, before expanding into the Alex Burns and Jen Hawley Band. In 2011, the band released a four-track EP, further showcasing their unique sound.

Today, Alex’s music continues to evolve through his solo work, duo performances, and full band projects. He has also developed Club Tropicana, a band that delves deep into Hawaiian music and beyond, continuing to explore the broad range of musical genres that have inspired him throughout his career.