Bio
Alex McArthur is a dynamic jazz vocalist on the rise who uses her passion for creativity, storytelling, & authentic expression as her musical compass. She resides in Buffalo, NY, and loves working with creative minds in order to paint pictures and tell stories as truthfully as she feels.
Her most recent achievements include giving a performance with the John Toomey Trio & giving a vocal jazz masterclass through the Virginia Arts Festival; singing with the Eastman School of Music’s orchestra & big bands under the direction of Jeff Campbell in a concert celebrating the music of Marty Paich; portraying Billie Holiday in a production of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill at Musicalfare Theatre with George Caldwell (Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Review, The Buffalo News).
Having studied with instrumental jazz masters like Bobby Militello, George Caldwell, & John Bacon Jr. in Buffalo, Alex's appreciation for instrumental jazz and improvisation began at a young age, and aided in the formulation of her unique voice. Alex is a firm believer that the voice is an instrument, and can be utilized to tell a story in the same way as a horn; she is unafraid to take chances.
Ms. McArthur knew she was meant to be an artist from the first moments she can remember, and took time in order to find her rightful place in music. Growing up in a diverse musical home, she was exposed to many genres regularly that contributed to her artistry. One’s surroundings influence a person more than we tend to realize; she’s eternally grateful for the ways in which her musical environment contributed to the person and musician she is today.
Alex studied both musical theatre and classical voice while attending University at Buffalo. She has her studies, mentors, and support system to thank for the development and connection to her voice that she has fostered since then.
She has a wide variety of vocal influences, some of which include Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Audra McDonald, Esperanza Spalding, Phil Collins, and Michael Jackson, to name a few.
Ms. McArthur has performed at many venues and festivals in the Western New York Region (PAUSA Art House, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Artpark, Buffalo AKG Art Gallery, Sportsmen's Tavern, West Falls Center For the Arts, Larkin Square, Flying Bison Brewery, The Terrace at Delaware Park, Queen City Jazz Festival, Lewiston Jazz Festival).
When not performing under her own name, she keeps busy writing her own music (Rae & the Spirits) and working alongside musicians & friends on various projects (George Caldwell, John Bacon, Grace Lougen, "The Hang" with John Aaron Troy), and is often times invited as a guest for a variety of performances in the Buffalo area. She loves staying active within the theatre and choral communities in the greater Niagara region (Vocalis Chamber Choir, Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Musicalfare Theatre, Starring Buffalo).