In the words of Wynton Marsalis, Alexa Tarantino is a one-woman wrecking crew, an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” The vibrant and versatile jazz saxophone & woodwind artist has been triple-nominated as a Rising Star Alto Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll from 2020-2022, was named one of the Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019 by the JazzTimes CriticsPoll, and was one of 100 alumni to receive The Centennial Award from the Eastman School of Music (2022). “Alexa lights up rooms when she [plays],” said JazzTimes. Her radiant spirit and artistry uplift and inspire her audiences one performance at a time.
Alexa has toured worldwide with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Artemis, and the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Her records (Firefly, Clarity, Winds of Change) and compositions have consistently topped jazz radio charts, and her discography includes 25+ recordings released as a leader and a sidewoman. Tarantino is in-demand internationally as an energetic and impactful clinician, mentor, and coach and also represents Jazz at Lincoln Center as a visiting educator for various programs with students of all ages and levels. She holds a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education with a certificate in Arts Leadership from the Eastman School of Music. Alexa is Founder and Artistic Director of the Cape Ann Jazz Workshop in Rockport, Massachusetts.