Alexa Tarantino

Alexa Tarantino is an award-winning, vibrant, young jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator. Alexa’s “lovely, ardent way of improvising,” and “sharply plotted but gracefully unencumbered straight-ahead jazz [compositions]” (The New York Times) establish her individual voice which shines through as a dynamic performer and educator. Tarantino was recently named one of the “Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019” by the JazzTimes Critics’ Poll and nominated as a “Rising Star - Alto Saxophone” by Downbeat Magazine’s 2021 and 2020 Critics’ Poll. She has performed regularly as a leader and sidewoman in a wide variety of ensembles and genres including Wynton Marsalis's Young Stars of Jazz, Cécile McLorin Salvant Quintet & OGRESSE Ensemble, Ulysses Owens Jr. Generation Y, LSAT (quintet co-led with Lauren Sevian ), Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Sherrie Maricle & The DIVA... and Steven Feifke Big Band. Firefly, Alexa’s third record for Posi-Tone Records released April 16, 2021. Her previous album Clarity peaked at #9 on the JazzWeek Charts and landed at #54 for JazzWeek’s Top 100 records of 2019. She holds a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from The Juilliard School and Bachelor’s degrees in Jazz Saxophone Performance and Music Education from the Eastman School of Music. In February 2021, Alexa launched her new virtual community-style jazz education platform, The Alexa Approach. Alexa Tarantino is a Vandoren Artist and Yamaha Performing Artist.