Neighborhood: Queens, Jackson Heights (will travel)

Ages taught: ages 5-adult

Levels taught: beg-adv

THANA ALEXA

“A radiant voice… sparkling artistry and unerring confidence… Ascendant Singer… young and chic possessing an electric stage presence…” – DOWNBEAT

“…a jazz singer with a global perspective…” – THE NEW YORK TIMES

“…Thana Alexa stood out, turning a style of scatting that’s become cliché into something entirely
new, evocative, and exhilarating!” – BILLBOARD

“Her voice is enthralling, her compositions are heart-warming and her arrangements are heart-
stopping.” – JAZZTIMES

2016 and 2017 Downbeat Critic’s Poll Rising Female Vocalist, runner up in the 2014 Made in NY Jazz Competition, winner of the 2011 Jazzon Alpe-Adria International Competition and nominee in the category of Best Jazz Composition for the 2011 PORIN Awards – the Croatian Music Academy’s honor equivalent to the Grammy Awards in America. Thana Alexa released “Ode to Heroes”, herHarmonia Mundi Jazz Villagedebut in March 2015, an album of original compositions and vocal arrangements, which bring together elements of jazz, pop and world music.

On her upcoming album (set for release in 2018) Thana dives into the exploration of textural soundscapes, vocal effects and the importance of making a relevant statement about our time through art. This crossover album integrates elements of jazz with soul, electronica and pop, opening a door of accessibility and appeal to sophisticated music for wider audiences without diluting its complexity and depth. It makes a strong statement about the role women play in music and in the world – a role that makes female influence and strength undeniable. The album explores the vastness of humanity and our duty as people to be the change we want to see in the world.

Alexa is an active member of Antonio Sanchez’ touring ensemble Migration (Grammy winner for the Birdman film score as well as Pat Metheny’s drummer of 16 years) and has recorded two critically acclaimed albums with the group, New Life and The Meridian Suite, (Seamus Blake, John Escreet, Matt Brewer). Alexa also appears on three of guitarist Gene Ess’s albums. The first two records (Fractal Attraction and Eternal Monomyth) – for which Alexa contributed vocals, compositions and lyrics – won the SESAC Jazz Award in 2015 and 2016. The group’s third album Absurdist Theater (Manuel Valera, Yasushi Nakamura, Clarence Penn) – for which Alexa contributed lyrics – was released in September of 2016. For more about Thana, visit www.ThanaAlexa.com.