I'm a guitarist, sociologist, writer, professor, amateur photographer, and father of two little humans. I write and teach about immigration, race, and the sociology of music at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
I learned everything I know about music from listening/studying classic recordings and performing with outstanding jazz musicians during graduate school in Northern California, including Delbert Bump, Baron Wolfe, Mike Meyers, Sam Maez, Dave Wilson, Ryan Bridwell, and Geoff Daugherty, among others. After completing my doctorate (in sociology), I relocated to Oxford in the United Kingdom and had the opportunity to jam and learn from several British and European jazz musicians, including Frank Kenner, Trish Elphinstone, Peter Dixon, Nicholas Blake, and Tim Dawes, and Martin Pickett among others.
I am now based in Greater New York City (in NJ), and my musical evolution is ongoing. I've been teaching myself how to play bass guitar as well as the drums. I am also delving deeper into the sociology of music-making and currently lead a research study examining music-making during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When time permits, I occasionally perform with other musicians in jazz contexts. More recently, I have been doing some solo performances I dub "Beats, Loops, and the Guitar."
Scroll down to view video samples, photographs, and upcoming performances.
dr.AAli presents
Beats, Loops, and the Guitar
In these performances, I improvise over a selection of electronic beats and loops. The beats/loops span multiple genres, including hip-hop, RnB, reggae, and funk. The result is a funky and soulful, guitar-led sonic journey improvisation.
Dr. AALi - "All I Know"
dr.AAli "Rather Unique"
Roots Reggae Improv
dr.AAli "Vibes by Pete Rock"
dr.AAli "Keep it Rollin"
Jazz Contexts
Recent and past performances
Out of Nowhere
Sample from Twilight Jazz Live
Autumn Leaves in July
dr.AAli and Friends
dr.AALi and Friends
Black Nile - HP Parkstock
dr. AALi in Oxford (UK)
dr. AALi and Oxford Friends
dr. AAli and Delbert Bump
Music-Making Gallery
Photos from past performances
Visual Cross-Sections
I've been using my phone camera to explore the natural beauty and particularities of everyday life.
I am also learning how to paint and hope to use these photos as ideas for paintings in the future.
Booking/Inquiries
dr. AAli
Guitarist | Sociologist
I specialize in providing live improvised jazz guitar music to enhance the energy and atmosphere of restaurants/bistros, bars, street festivals, farmer's markets, wineries, breweries, and private events.
For booking or to get in touch, email me (socmusic95@gmail.com) or use the message box below.
