Al Schnier
Guitarists for Band: Moe
About Al Schnier
Al Schnier: Buffalo’s Guitar Hero in the World of Jam Bands
January 9, 1968, marked the birth of a future guitar legend — Al Schnier. While he was born in Syracuse, New York, it was Buffalo that would come to play a pivotal role in shaping his musical destiny. Today, Al Schnier is celebrated not only as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist for the jam band moe., but also as a key figure in the city’s music scene and beyond.
A Musical Journey Begins
Schnier’s love for music started at an early age. Raised in New Hartford, NY, he began with classical piano lessons, but the structured approach didn’t resonate with him. He pivoted to guitar, and by his teens, he was writing his own songs and performing with small local bands. His high school years were filled with experimentation as he explored his musical identity, a foreshadowing of the free-form creativity that would come to define his career.
After high school, Schnier attended SUNY Oneonta, where he studied both Philosophy and Graphic Arts. It was during this time that he started playing in a psychedelic rock band. But his true calling came when he relocated to Buffalo in 1990 and first crossed paths with moe., a local band that was on the cusp of redefining itself and the jam band genre.
Joining moe. and the Buffalo Connection
Schnier’s introduction to moe. was almost serendipitous. He recalls discovering the band’s first recordings and being struck by their originality and energy. Little did he know that six months later, he’d not only meet the band but would also find himself sitting in at live performances. By January 1992, Schnier officially joined moe., and what followed was over three decades of groundbreaking music that introduced Buffalo’s vibrant music scene to the national stage.
Moe.’s sound blends rock, progressive, folk, and even electronica elements, but it’s their live shows that have earned them their devoted fanbase. The band, with Schnier’s soaring guitar solos and eclectic musical style, became a staple of Buffalo’s music venues before their influence expanded nationwide.
Schnier is not just a guitarist; he’s a multi-instrumentalist who has showcased his talents on Moog synthesizers, mandolins, keyboards, and more. With moe., he played at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and even Carnegie Hall. The band’s local roots remained evident as they kept Buffalo as a touchstone for their creative inspiration.
Beyond moe.: Collaborations and Creativity
While moe. has always been Schnier’s home base, his musical exploration took him into other exciting projects as well. He fronted side projects like Al and the Transamericans, which leaned into folk and Americana sounds. His electronica solo project, “al.one,” allowed him to experiment as a one-man band, handling every aspect of production, instrumentation, and songwriting.
Al also became part of Phil Lesh & Friends, collaborating with the iconic Grateful Dead bassist for a number of shows. Playing along with a member of his musical heroes, Schnier described the experience as both surreal and affirming, a testament to his versatility and skill.
An inspiring producer and studio engineer, Schnier has also worked behind the scenes at his Basemental Studios. There, he not only shaped moe.’s sound but also lent his expertise to other artists, ensuring Buffalo’s music scene remains a hub of talent and innovation.
A Resilient Spirit
Over the years, moe. faced its share of challenges—health setbacks for band members and the upheaval of a global pandemic. Still, the group, often described as a “family,” came out stronger, with Schnier playing a critical role in preserving their creativity and momentum.
Though moe. has toured extensively, Buffalo remains close to Al Schnier’s heart. The city’s music culture played a foundational role in his career, and he has consistently given back by supporting voter registration efforts, charity events, and mentoring younger musicians.
A Jam Band Legend
Al Schnier’s career is a celebration of musical curiosity and a testament to the power of community. From his first guitar strums to electrifying stages across the country, he’s always embodied the free-spirited ethos that makes jam bands unique. For Buffalo music fans, Schnier represents one of their own—a hometown hero who followed his passion and paved the way for others to do the same.
Whether he’s jamming on stage with moe. or experimenting in the studio, Al Schnier proves that music isn’t just about notes and rhythms; it’s about connection, exploration, and the joy of creation. And Buffalo, New York, is all the richer for having been the launchpad for his remarkable journey.