Alex Neilson is an English drummer, percussionist and singer who is currently based in Glasgow but grew up in Leeds. He has performed alongside a large number of bands and artists including Lucky Luke, The One Ensemble Of Daniel Padden, Ashtray Navigations, Alastair Galbraith, Isobel Campbell, Bonnie Prince Billy, Ben Reynolds, Matt Valentine, David Keenan, Alasdair Roberts, Tanakh, Six Organs of Admittance and Taurpis Tula as well as Directing Hand and Scatter, both of which he founded. However, he is probably best known for his continuing collaborations with Richard Youngs and for his work with elusive American singer/songwriter Jandek, for whom he has drummed regularly - four of these live performances have been released by Corwood Industries on the Glasgow Sunday, Newcastle Sunday, Glasgow Monday and Glasgow Friday on both CD and DVD. He also drummed for Will Oldham, firstly on a Scottish tour in April 2006 and then again for a US and Canadian tour later the same year.
In early 2007, Neilson left his position at Glasgow based record shop and distribution company Volcanic Tongue and rejoined Oldham for some tour dates and subsequently spent much of this year touring with Alasdair Roberts, with Ben Reynolds (as Motor Ghost), with David Keenan (as Tight Meat) and with a fresh incarnation of Directing Hand consisting of himself and vocalist/harpist Lavinia Blackwall.
In 2008, he toured with Baby Dee - he is heard on Dee's recent 'Safe Inside The Day' record - and Current 93. He has already appeared on a handful of Current 93 releases and has been confirmed on their Durtro webpage as a participant in various forthcoming recordings. A new Will Oldham live album featuring Neilson has also been released.
Neilson has spent much of late 08 and early 09 concentrating on his latest project Trembling Bells. The band consists of Neilson on drums and vocals, Lavinia Blackwall on lead vocals & guitar, Big Mike Hastings on guitar and Simon Shaw on bass guitar. Their debut LP "Carbeth" released on Honest Jon records to widespread critical acclaim in the spring of 2009. The 2nd long player is due out in the Spring of 2010. Neilson also has spent considerable time on tour with Ben Chasny and his ensemble which makes up Six Organs of Admittance live.
Directing Hand:
Tight Meat Duo/Trio:
Richard Youngs & Alex Neilson: