bio
A self-proclaimed late bloomer, Alex Houghton began a serious relationship with the guitar in her early 20’s. With no previous musical background, she began to study in earnest with whomever she could. Private lessons with Paul Bourdeau, a renowned expert on the music of Lenny Breau; 3 years of musical studies at both Carleton and Ottawa Universities; occasional lessons with Don Ross and Pierre Bensusan and workshops and master classes with any guitarist who piqued her musical curiosity all helped to inspire her.
But Alex’s deepest inspiration was and continues to be her compulsion to create her own music. That compulsion has culminated in 4 albums of guitar music over the past 13 years, soundtracks for both movies and television, and as a co-writing member of the group, the Miss Bennets, a pop album released in 2008. Alex currently lives in Chelsea, Quebec with her partner Ross Murray, her young son Wynn and too many cats.
More Love is an album of exceptional instrumental compositions, all brilliantly conceived and performed, and is highly recommended for any fan of beautiful music.
-James Scott, Minor 7th
-James Scott, Minor 7th
Alex was included on the prestigious Vanguard Records 2005 release, La Guitara, a compilation album featuring among others, Mimi Fox, Jennifer Batten, and Sharon Isbin. La Guitara is a collection of ground breaking performances that explores the contribution of women to the evolution of the modern guitar.
"More impressive than the flawless performances within established genres are the few instances when these guitarists are breaking new ground. Ottawa's Houghton combines percussive tapping and hammering on the strings, prominent bass parts, pulsing motifs and sparkling melodic interludes to create an unusual composition."
-Geoffrey Himes, The Washington Post
Happybody, Alex's third collection of 11 original pieces is receiving high praise and is garnering her attention in the US as well as Canada.
"Houghton's third CD marks her as a shining light
among a new generation of fingerstylists."
-Acoustic Guitar Magazine
"Her latest effort, Happybody continues to reveal an indie artist
who is finding her own superb voice...
-Kirk Albrecht, Minor 7th
Rocket Science, was released in early 1998. This time, Alex teamed up with producer/musician, Ian Tamblyn; drummer, Ross Murray and bassist, Tom McKay. Exploring her own unique voice on the guitar, Alex created an album of edgy, groove-driven instrumental music that takes the acoustic guitar in a new direction.
"her fearless attitude is reflected in the music of her new album..."
-Ottawa Citizen
Rocket Science reflects a great deal of growth for an artist giving every indication that she has only just started to explore her potential."
-Ottawa Xpress
Camouflage, her debut CD was released in June of '95, featured 14 original, solo guitar pieces.
"Camouflage is a series of evocative miniatures
reminiscent of early Leo Kottke," - Ottawa Xpress magazine.
Awards received
- Ontario Arts Council Master Recording, Composing Grants 1995,1997, 2001, 2003
- Canada Council Touring Grant 1998, 2000
- Canada Council Individual Artist Grant, 1999
- Ontario Arts Council Chalmers Award, 2000
- Canada Council Master Recording Grant, 2001, 2003
- short listed for a K.M.Hunter award 2004
- City of Ottawa Master recording composition grants 2001, 2003
Composing Credits
Film
Two's a Mob - Independent Feature Film
The Sinking - Independent Short Film
Television/Video
Surviving the Fear
Figure Skaters - Past and Present
Operation Go Home
Heart of a Nation
Radio
United Way Campaign
RMOC Composting Awarenes