Earlier this year, rising musical star Thana Alexa made her debut with Ode to Heroes, an album of original compositions and arrangements, which bring together elements of jazz, pop, R&B and electronica. She will be performing in Central Oregon September 14th at Tetherow Pavilion.
Prior to the release of Ode to Heroes, Alexa gained attention as a Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Female Vocalist of 2016, runner up in the 2014 Made in New York Jazz Competition, in 2011 Jazzon Alpe-Adria International Composers Competition and the 2011 Croatian Music Academy PORIN nominee for Best Jazz Composition.
In creating Ode to Heroes, Alexa pays tribute to the personalities both personal and musical who have impacted her on the path to forging her own distinctively individual voice. Influences include jazz giants like Wayne Shorter, Charles Mingus and Paul Desmond and the musicians who collaborate with her on the album, including drummer and co-producer Antonio Sanchez, saxophonists Donny McCaslin and Lenart Krecic, bassists Jorge Roeder and Scott Colley, pianist Sergio Salvatore and vibraphonist Christos Rafalides.
The album is mainly her engaging original compositions with vibrant takes on jazz standards like Shorter’s Footprints, Mingus’ Goodbye Pork Pie Hat and Desmond and Dave Brubeck’s Take 5. Most importantly, her album spotlights the ability to engage in rewarding and illuminating conversation with some of music’s most renowned and forward-thinking players. Ode to Heroes is produced by Harmonia Mundi/Jazz Village.
The New York Times says Alexa is, “…a jazz singer with a global perspective…” and Jazztimes states, “Her voice is enthralling, her compositions are heart-warming and her arrangements are heart-stopping.”
Although born in New York City, Alexa grew up in Croatia where she was mentored for many years by vibraphonist and club owner, Bosko Petrovic. Later she graduated from the New School University where she earned a bachelor of fine arts in jazz and contemporary music and a bachelor of arts in psychology.
John and Heather Cashman of Bend Furniture & Design say they are excited to be sponsoring this very special event with Rimshot Productions because Alexa has been receiving amazing reviews from the global jazz scene. Rimshot Productions is based in Bend and promotes local concerts.