Dawn Alexis

SEEKING

Other.

ABOUT

Despite her small stature, this powerhouse performer will surprise you with the strength and precision of her vocals. Exuding a wonderful stage presence, Dawn Alexis commands her three-octave range with a remarkable agility and an unfailing sense of swing.

Born the fifth of seven children, Dawn Alexis Suchoboki began her professional career at the age of 18 with 3 years of full time work in musical revue and improvised comedy, performing popular tunes such as “Lion Sleeps Tonight”, “Proud Mary” (Tina Turner), “Midnight Train To Georgia”, and several Aretha Franklin greats (“Chain of Fools”, “Think”, “Respect”, “House that Jack Built”). As a triple threat, she quickly became an in-demand performer, sought after for her powerful vocal performances, comedic timing, and skill as a dancer and choreographer. In a professional career that spans over 16 years, Dawn has delivered unforgettable renditions of songs in all styles of music and toured extensively in mid and western Canada.

Embarking on a solo career as a vocalist while in Edmonton, Dawn formed the Dawn Suchoboki Trio (with bass and piano) and after moving to Regina in late 1999, initiated and hosted a weekly jazz jam at Jesse’s House of Blues, where she met many local musicians and formed Jazz D’Alexis. This jazz ensemble ranges in size from trio (piano, bass, and vocals) to an eight-piece band, playing favourite classics such as “Autumn Leaves”, “Night and Day”, and “Fly Me To The Moon” and sultry torch songs like “Sophisticated Lady”, “Loverman”, and “Solitude”, as well as originals off her new album. Dawn is drawn toward the more challenging vocal arrangements such as “Twisted” (Joni Mitchell) and “Lush Life”, and you will rarely hear “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” or “Lady Is A Tramp” delivered with such great vigor and precision.

Dawn Alexis makes her mark as a multi-talented composer, lyricist, and arranger with her recently released debut CD album entitled “Such-A-Bouquet”. This unique album spans a variety of musical genres, mostly jazz, swing and Latin rhythms to include funk (“Madness”), a march (“I’m Running Away”), a lullaby, and two more straight time tracks. All 17 tracks were written and arranged entirely by Dawn Alexis, who was also the sole producer on the album. “Such-A-Bouquet” was engineered by the 2005 WCMA Engineer of the Year John Gasparic, and mastered by Phil Demetro at the prestigious Lacquer Channel Mastering in Toronto.

Due in large part to her velvet voice and fantastic stage presence, Dawn has succeeded in attracting a large non-jazz following, with many fans voicing their affinity for “Dawn’s jazz” above others. She has made frequent appearances at the Casino Regina Show Lounge and numerous high-profile corporate events, and continues to gain acclaim for her expressive and smooth delivery of great music. Dawn Alexis remains a powerhouse performer and producer with a growing list of credits in live music, theatre, and improvised comedy.

Website
http://www.funtazm.com/suchabouquet

Discography
Such-A-Bouquet (Autumn of 2005)

This debut CD album features a full hour of fantastic music and arrangements. All 17 tracks are original, composed and arranged by vocalist Dawn Alexis and spanning several genres in style, including swing, jazz, funk, and even a march! Four and five horn arrangements on most tracks.

BAbe-raham Lincoln and Whatever You Want currently being played on CJTR 91.3 FM, and CBC Radio across Canada. Goin' the Wrong Way featured on Smooth Jazz Sundays, Magic 98.3 FM in Saskatoon. Various songs played during "Swing Shift" on CFCR in Saskatoon.

Screen name:: Dawn Alexis
Member since:: Mar 01 2006; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Very Committed
Years together:: 5
Age:: years

Influences

Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Karen Carpenter, Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole, Holly Cole, Led Zeppelin, Nina Simone, The B-52's, my mother, Anne Murray, many, many more

Members Of Band

Dawn Alexis, vocals

The group varies in size from a trio and larger to accomodate the venue and atmosphere you wish to create. When touring, local musicians of equal talent or better are part of the group.

Ken Jefferson, piano (Regina)
Sheldon Corbett, piano (& sax) (Saskatoon)
Andrew Glover, piano (Edmonton)
Graham Purse, bass
Mike Thompson, drums
Chris Jacklin, saxophone
Kevin Kasha, trumpet
Carter Powley, saxophone
Chad Taylor, trumpet
Mike Bobb, congas
Colin Neufeld, trombone