Melissa Aldana

Melissa Aldana
Melissa Aldana
  • country:Chile
  • style(s):Jazz
  • label:IJAM JAZZ / Inner Circle Music
  • type:Composer/Songwriter
  • gender:female
  • instrumentation:instrumental
  • artist posted by:12 IDEAS

Line up

  • Colin Stranahan (Drums)
  • Gordon Au (Trumpet)
  • Joseph Lepore (Bass)
  • Melissa Aldana (Sax)

Links

Melissa Aldana lives through her tenor saxophone. It has become part of herself as a vital organ.
Her journey began in 2006 when she traveled to Boston without a dollar in her pocket, not knowing the language or anyone in town to help her start a new life at the Berklee College of Music. Because of her talent, Melissa was awarded with the Berklee Presidential Scholarship, the most important scholarship of the institution.
The passage through Berklee was the trigger for her creativity and her inner music. As a student she has taken lessons with Joe Lovano, George Garzone, Frank Tiberi, Greg Osby, Hal Crook, Dave Santoro, Bill Pierce, Dino Govoni, Ralph Peterson, among others. During her time in Boston she met sax legend George Garzone that put her in touch with Jorge Nunez (executive producer and manager) and Greg Osby, director of Inner Circle Music, a label that brings together the best young jazz talent in the U.S.. Another key figure in the history of Melissa is Emilio Lyons. The famous "doctor" of saxophones has introduced numerous saxophonists to Melissa. Among these is the great George Coleman, who welcomes Melissa as a disciple and begins to transmit his knowledge in private master classes with her.

Melissa currently lives in Brooklyn, performing in legendary New York City jazz clubs, such as Blue Note, Iridium, Lincoln Center, Village Vanguard, ... having the honor of sharing the stage with great jazz musicians such as Benny Golson, Greg Osby, George Garzone, Francisco Mela, Antonio Sanchez, George Coleman, etc.


"Every few years, a rare talent emerges with both a voice and unique presentation that is both inspiring to witness as well as it is impossible to ignore. For the record, I am proud to announce that in this time, that personality would be tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana. In my lifetime, I simply have not witnessed such prowess and breadth in one person, at her age or level of development. At once it is apparent that she has no peers on her instrument and I am most pleased to cite and admit that her influences are practically undetectable - a rare quality indeed. She will absolutely be a trend setter for her generation."
Greg Osby (Musician / Educator)