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Alexis Cole

Award-winning jazz vocalist Alexis Cole may be the most talented singer to ever hold a top-secret military clearance. A dozen albums into her critically acclaimed career, she may also be the best-kept secret in jazz, a status that’s certain to change as more people are discovering her for themselves.

The year 2009 was a big one for Alexis: She released her first albums on both Motéma Music and Venus Records…and went to Basic Training to prepare for her new job as a jazz singer for the US Army.

During her seven years in the Army’s Big Band, Cole had the opportunity to grow as a musician and a person, sharing the stage with ensembles as diverse as the New York Philharmonic and Kool and the Gang. Alexis continued recording throughout her tour of duty, releasing a string of well-received albums, including four titles for Venus, two for Motema, and two on Chesky Records. She proved her versatility on everything from jazz standards to Paul Simon’s lesser known compositions, to Disney love songs to a project on which she teamed up with a fellow serviceman 50 years her senior, the legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli.

Though Alexis transformed into an insightful interpreter of jazz during her Army years, understandably, her personal advancements and achievements had to take a back seat to her military responsibilities.

Alexis has blossomed since leaving the service in 2016, trading her uniforms and fatigues for sleek cocktail dresses and chic hats, and focusing fully on her art. The singer’s career has taken on exciting new momentum, with recent accomplishments including gigs at celebrated venues like Carnegie Hall, Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Blue Note; and performances as a soloist with prominent orchestras such as the Boston Pops and the Detroit Symphony. Alexis also recently contributed a guest turn on pianist Harold Mabern’s star-studded album Afro Blue, alongside the likes of fellow guests Norah Jones, Gregory Porter, and Jane Monheit.

On the education front, Alexis Cole now heads the vocal program at the renowned conservatory at SUNY Purchase, and is a Jamey Aebersold-sponsored clinician. She’s looking forward to guest lecturing at the acclaimed Prince Claus Conservatoire in the Netherlands this coming academic year.

This summer Alexis and her trio will take the stage for a residency at Bemelmans Bar in Manhattan’s famous Carlyle Hotel, following in the footsteps of Marian McPartland and Barbara Carroll.

Alexis Cole’s freshly reclaimed civilian status has opened a new world where her profound experience can meld more completely with her worldview and personal expression. As the noted jazz journalist Scott Yanow points out, “Alexis Cole grows in power, maturity, and depth each year. She continues to have unlimited potential.” Whether you’re a long-time jazz fan or a newcomer to the art form, you won’t want to miss a single note from this icon in-the-making.

Quotes

Here is the supreme stylist at the height of her powers….The search for the next great

jazz singer is over. This album is the proof. —Kevin Jones – Fine Music (AUS) May 2018

I cannot praise the vocal effors of Ms. Cole highly enough. She is Fearless! — Saul Levine PD, KJZZ- FM

I think Alexis is one of the most underrated singers in jazz. Fantastic voice with great tone and pitch, a strong swing beat, interpretation skills, range and pacing. The total package singer.. —Jae Sinnett PD, WHRV – FM

“Alexis Cole grows in power, maturity and depth each year.  She continues to have unlimited potential.” – Scott Yannow / LA Jazz Scene

Singer and pianist Alexis Cole does many things well, including up-tempo numbers and scat

solos, but what she does best is slow sultry numbers, both standards and blues, of the sort that can’t help but inspire couples to get in the mood on Valentine’s Day. – Will Friedwald / Wall Street Journal

Videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVyQ_Yqy3Uc

 

Photos

https://jwpagency.com/alexis-cole-1-by-andrew-bogard.jpg

https://jwpagency.com/alexis-cole-2-by-andrew-bogard.jpg

https://jwpagency.com/alexis-cole-3-by-andrew-bogard.jpg

https://jwpagency.com/alexis-cole-shot-by-alfie-goodrich.jpg

https://jwpagency.com/alexis-cole-shot-by-rana-faure.jpg

 

Links

http://www.alexiscole.com/

http://www.facebook.com/alexiscolefanpage

https://twitter.com/alexiscolesings

https://www.youtube.com/user/alexiscole