'When listening to vocalist, Alexia Gardner, you are reminded of that era when a jazz singer was just that, someone in that tradition who would take a song and tell its story musically, respecting the integrity of its original melody, yet using nuanced phrasing that would be uniquely individual.
For those 'jazz aficionados' or even those who are just lovers of good music. I would strongly suggest that you treat yourself to hearing one of the true practioners of this great artform, jazz! Truly a world citizen via Jamaica, England, Asia and Europe, and a world class jazz singer,
Ms. Alexia Gardner!"
Phil Morrison 2011 (Bassist/Composer/Songwriter)
With over a decade of tours and concerts in South East Asia Alexia Gardner has recently returned to Europe. She is now resident in Basel, Switzerland and is ready to share her soft, mellow and distinctive voice with her audience here. Her recent Live recordings in Hongkong and Shanghai showcase her rapport with the audience and her command of the stage.
This British Singer with Jamaican Roots began her career touring the British Cabaret Circuit in England and Wales. She toured with her gifted sister - Paula Gardner - as a sophisticated, accapella duo and got much acclaim for their wonderfully harmonic voices.
Alexia soon began a solo career that took her across the Mediterranean on luxury Cruise Liners as well as the luxury hotel groups in Asia. Part of her addictiveness stems from her Jamaican parentage where she is able to incorporate everything from Standard Jazz Classics, Latin grooves, a touch of Reggae vibes, soft Bossa Nova styles to gentle, familiar ballads.
Alexia has three live albums and one studio recording available for your enjoyment. ` The Rest Of Your Life ` recorded in 2001 at the `Jazz Club` in Hongkong and the suitably entitled ` Jammin ' Alexia Gardner Live In Shanghai` This second album was released in January 2006 and one of the reviews were: -
'This is one of the strongest jazz Vocal CDs I've heard in a long time. Alexia Gardner comes across in the tradition of Sarah, Ella and Nancy but with her own uniqueness. A wonderful singer with a wonderful rhythm section!
(Phil Morrison, bassist, composer, lyricist August 2006)
Her third album is 'Chasing Hope, Alexia Gardner and the offbeat Trio'. This beautiful album recorded in Switzerland with the fabulous trio that she toured and performed with since her return to Europe after years in Asia. This was recorded in the summer of 2009. A wonderful album with special guests and striking original tunes.
Finally, the fourth album is once again recorded in front of a Live Audience. It is called ' A Little Closer, Alexia Gardner Live At The Birds Eye Jazz Club'. This is a unique recording of guitar, double bass and voice. This was released late September 2011 and once again demonstrates Alexia's diverse and ever appealing artistry.
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