Vocalist Alexis Cole has sometimes called herself the “Canary in Combat Boots.” Watch the video to see why.
Alexis will make her first Litchfield Jazz Fest appearance on Opening Night, July 26th at 7:30 with the Litchfield Jazz Orchestra.
Alexis comes by her talent naturally – both her maternal grandmother and her father were pianist/singers. Her journey to the stage started in earnest with a seven year stint fronting the US Army’s Jazz Ambassadors all over the world. When she mustered out in 2016 she traded the boots for pretty sandals and hit the New York night spot scene and quickly added first place in the prestigious Montreaux Jazz Vocal. Since launching her career, she has guested with the Boston Pops, Detroit Symphony, and artists like Harold Mabern, Eric Alexander, Jane Monheit, Gregory Porter, and Norah Jones and released seven albums as a leader, including one with a Litchfield favorite, the great guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. She now heads the vocal program at SUNY Purchase College.