“Alexis Cole leaves no doubt that she is a major Jazz star even though a lot of the Jazz world is still yet to discover her.”

— Music Man Blog

Alexis Cole | Biography

Acclaimed jazz vocalist, pianist, and educator Alexis Cole has earned an international reputation for her rich, expressive voice, impeccable musicianship, and deeply personal interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Equally at home in intimate jazz clubs and on major concert stages, she has performed with the Boston Pops and Detroit Symphony Orchestra, captivating audiences with her warmth, sophistication, and distinctive musical voice.

A former vocalist with the United States Army's prestigious West Point Band, Cole has released 15 albums as a leader, collaborating with celebrated jazz musicians including Fred Hersch, Bucky Pizzarelli, Eric Alexander, Harold Mabern and Harry Pickens. Her recordings reflect a deep respect for jazz tradition alongside a spirit of exploration, bringing fresh perspectives to familiar standards and lesser-known gems.

Her latest album, Taking My Seat: A Musical Inheritance, marks a significant milestone: her first recording as both pianist and vocalist. Joined by longtime collaborators David Finck on bass and Kenny Hassler on drums, Cole explores the musical inheritance that shaped her artistry. The album represents both a return to her roots as a pianist and an exciting new chapter in her career.

Beyond the stage, Cole is a passionate educator and advocate for jazz singing. She is the founder of JazzVoice.com, an international online community offering education, mentorship, and performance opportunities, and co-founder and co-director of the Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit, which brings together singers and leading jazz artists from around the world.

Having previously led jazz vocal programs at SUNY Purchase and William Paterson University, Cole now serves on the graduate jazz faculty at Manhattan School of Music. Her former students include Grammy Award-winning vocalist Samara Joy, acclaimed young jazz singer Anaïs Reno, and award-winning vocalist Lucy Wijnands, reflecting her enduring commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz artists.

Here’s what critics are saying about Alexis Cole: 

Here is the supreme stylist at the height of her powers…. The search for the next great jazz singer is over.
—Kevin Jones, Fine Music

Exquisite 
—Stephen Holden, The New York Times 

A beguiling voice and charming stage manner.
— Ralph Miriello, Notes on Jazz blog 

Cole displays an exuberant personality, outstanding diction, flawless pitch, and inspired scat technique, all qualities that should place her in the highest echelon of contemporary jazz singers… (She can)…communicate an intimate mood with great passion.
— Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online

A positively talented artist without doubt…There is so much to enjoy and admire (on her latest album, You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To), recommended to all who love great songs sung by an outstanding individual singer. Despite the editor’s pleas not to overdo the star ratings I could not give less than five to such a perfect marriage of vocal and instrumental jazz. Buy it and be immersed in the warm musical ambience.
—Brian Robinson, Jazz Journal International (UK)

I cannot praise the vocal efforts of Ms. Cole highly enough. She is fearless!
—Saul Levine, PD, KJZZ- FM 

Alexis is one of the most underrated singers in jazz. Fantastic voice with great tone and pitch, a strong swing beat, interpretation skills, range, and pacing. The total package singer.  
—Jae Sinnett, PD, WHRV-FM 

I've enjoyed following her career, and seeing her mature into a very fine singer indeed…great tone and proper pitch. The light is still on in the jazz lobby. 
—Brad Stone, PD, KSJS-FM 

One of the great voices of today.
—Jonathan Schwartz 

A deep contralto as smooth and dark as the richest espresso.
— Jazz Times 

A rising star in the jazz world.
—Hot House Magazine.