Dawn Alexis

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Primary Instrument: Vocal

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 fresh out of high school 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 17 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 a ten-piece ensemble, playing favourite classics as well as originals off her new album.

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, a march, and even a lullaby. 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 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.

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.

Last Updated: May 16, 2007
CD REVIEW by Cindy McLeod, JazzElements.com Canadian Jazz Vocal Debut CD Reviews ”There’s no doubt this woman can sing, there’s power, dimension, confidence and a whole lotta talent here. Her voice is full-throated and robust, with bang-on pitch and a big range. Showing great control yet with emotional abandon, Alexis is a natural, convincing vocalist who can deliver a song.”

“Some tunes fit into that indescribable vein that someone like Tom Waits would occupy, other parts sit in a pop/rock vein. Still other enter the world of broadway, or a production show with a playful side. There are juicy tidbits thrown in as a four part vocal swing intro, and the 1:00 track ‘Foreboding’, where Alexis plays all the instruments in an eerie, tension building interlude.”

“This vocal recording may not comfortably sit in a jazz slot, but it is well worth adding to your collection, for Dawn Alexis is going places. We’ll be watching.”

Jeff “Redbeard” Corbett, Radio Personality 91.3 FM CJTR ”Dawn's voice wrings out the passion in the Blues, then pours out the sweetness of jazz…an emotive vocal range that will enhance the feel of any song”

Edgar Matysio Casino Regina Show Lounge Manager of Technical Services ”Dawn has performed at this venue on a number of occasions in front of various types of crowds. Her entertainment has always been enjoyed, applauded and supported. She is a very professional performer with attention to fine detail. Comes well rehearsed and brings a strong group of musicians supporting her performance. She has a very positive approach to her performance along with a special striking tone in her voice. She performs carefully chosen music that clearly brings out her voice and allows the listening audiences the musical opportunity to settle back, relax and enjoy. Her choices truly do make it,” An evening of R & R with Dawn Alexis” and without doubt one to remember.”

Grant Frew Bushwakkers Monday Night Jazz Bar and Promotions Manager ”Professional, ethical, personable. Extremely dynamic and playfully engaging. Her theatrical style and wardrobe showcases her as being dressed for success.”

Client Feedback Casino Regina Show Lounge ACE Awards for Communication Excellence ”The jazz theme and jazz band were awesome. Jazz d’Alexis was perfect.”

“Very classy”

Steve McLellan, Executive Director Tourism Regina ”The performance was very professional and exciting, and we would recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch entertainment.”

Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, Ph.D., R.Psych. Flatland Festival Go-er ”In your capacity as the best musical entertainer in Regina, you certainly deserve the prime spots!”

From Such-A-Bouquet Album Fans...

“Your CD is sooooo good- I can't get enough of it.” ---Jason Gabriel, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

”I honestly can’t pick a favourite and I can’t stop listening to it.” --- Kim Mock, Regina, Saskatchewan

”This CD is amazing...the strength and power in her voice is absolutely rivetting... this woman can sing anything. If you have not yet had the privilege to hear this CD, do your ears (and happy dancin' feet) a favor, and get yourself a copy! “ --- Jana Arnold, Regina, Saskatchewan

As a Leader, Producer, Arranger, Composer, Performer

Such-A-Bouquet
FunTAZM
2005
Tracks: 17 original compositions
ALBUM LISTING

1. Whatever You Want (Intro Version)
2. BAberaham Lincoln
3. Don't You Fret
4. When Will You Write
5. The Foreboding
6. Please Don't Make Me Go
7. Goin' the Wrong Way
8. I'm Running Away
9. Hey, Stranger
10. Madness
11. Girl With A Curl
12. Outgrown
13. Auntie Dawn's Lullaby
14. (Can't Get You) Outta My Head
15. Whatever You Want (Babe, You Got It)
16. Such A Bouquet (Love Song)
17. Looking Up

Total Running Time: 60:19

Dawn Alexis; Ken Jefferson; Kris Craig; John Pain; Kelly Scobie; Chris Jacklin; Kevin Kasha; Dave Chobot; Brendan and Nathan Jacklin; Gary Dunitz; Ken Burton;

Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.

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Featured recording “Such-A-Bouquet”
Such-A-Bouquet
Indies Records (2005)

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