Thana Alexa

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Thana Alexa
Background information
Born (1987-03-19) March 19, 1987 (age 37)
New York City, New York
GenresJazz, jazz fusion, contemporary soul, Ethno jazz
Occupation(s)Vocalist, Composer, Arranger, Producer
Instrument(s)Voice, violin
Websitewww.thanalexa.com

Thana Alexa (born Thana Alexa Pavelić; born March 19, 1987) is an American jazz vocalist, composer, arranger and producer.

Biography

Early life

Alexa's interest in music began at age three when she disappeared from a birthday party and was discovered in the basement playing melodies to simple songs on a toy piano.[1] She soon expressed a preference for the violin, and began taking lessons.[1] Although she began to sing during this period, she believed the violin to be her primary instrument and considered pursuing it vocationally.[1]

After elementary school, Alexa's family moved back to Croatia.[1] She began singing songs in English as a way of maintaining her connection to her mother tongue and her childhood in the United States.[1] In Zagreb, Alexa took voice lessons at the Rock Academy.[2] Musician and club owner Boško Petrović mentored her – she began attending regional jazz workshops and performing professionally, including at Croatian festivals.[1]

Alexa studied psychology at

New School in New York City; she completed her psychology degree and received a fine arts degree in jazz performance.[2] She cites drummer Bernard Purdie as a mentor during this time.[1]

Music career

Her first album as a leader, Ode to Heroes, was released by Jazz Village.[1][2] She appears on guitarist Gene Ess's album Absurdist Theatre.[3] Alexa has also collaborated with vibraphonist Christos Rafalides.[1] Her 2020 album ONA went on to gain two Grammy nominations, including Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Improvised Jazz Solo for Regina Carter.[4]

Awards and honors

Thana Alexa and husband/ collaborator

Made in New York Jazz Competition.[6]

Discography

As leader

As guest

With

Antonio Sanchez

With Gene Ess

  • Fractal Attraction (SIMP, 2013)[10]
  • Eternal Monolith (SIMP, 2015)
  • Absurdist Theatre (SIMP, 2016)[3]
  • Apotheosis (SIMP, 2018)

With others

  • Matija Dedic, Friends (Dallas, 2010)

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Deluke, R.J. (April 20, 2015). "Thana Alexa: Singer and Instrument". All About Jazz. Retrieved March 27, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e Staudter, Thomas. "Thana Alexa: Strategic Planner" (PDF). Downbeat Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  3. ^ a b Garutch, Sylvannia (September 16, 2016). "Gene Ess: Absurdist Theatre". Elmore Magazine. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  4. ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "Thana Alexa Prepares Tour Of Two-Time GRAMMY-Nominated Album ONA". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  5. ^ "Annual 65th Critics' Poll Complete Results" (PDF). Downbeat. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  6. ^ "New York Events". CBS New York. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  7. ^ Carol, Weber. "No ordinary singer: Thana Alexa illuminates her place in 'Ode to' jazz heroes". AXS. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  8. ^ Chinen, Nate (June 8, 2015). "Review: Antonio Sánchez With 2 Albums, 'The Meridian Suite' and 'Three Times Three'". The New York Times. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
  9. ^ "Antonio Sanchez and Migration, Lines in the Sand, CAM Jazz". CAM Jazz. Retrieved November 28, 2018.
  10. ^ "Gene Ess Fractal Attraction". Allmusic. Retrieved March 27, 2018.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thana_Alexa&oldid=1213745013"