One of the best kept secrets of the Northwest jazz scene, flutist/vocalist/pianist/composer, Cheryl Alex has been central among the region's jazz community for over twenty years, appearing regularly and recording with luminaries such as Nancy King, Randy Porter, Leroy Vinegar, Lawrence Williams and most notably guitar wizard Jerry Hahn. At home with a wide range of styles, from straight-ahead bebop to tender ballads, Cheryl's versatility shows a masterful command of her instruments (alto flute and concert C flute.) Influenced in her early years by the music of Herbie Mann, Eric Dolphy, Roland Kirk, Ella Fitzgerald and Carole King, Cheryl's original compositions reflect a deep harmonic sense with memorable melodies and Latin influences. With the release of her CD "Take My Time", Cheryl has begun to reach an international audience with her flair for the flute, amazing dead-ahead chops and heartfelt vocals. "Your wish for a different jazz voice will also be satisfied," wrote critic Lynn Darroch of the Oregonian, "with a sound more akin to Joni Mitchell than Sarah Vaughan." Besides performing and recording, Cheryl also maintains a solid teaching schedule offering instruction in flute, piano and voice. She also teaches vocal jazz workshops with 3 time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist, Nancy King.

Cheryl is also a musical educator for all ages, levels and genres. She teaches flute, piano and voice lessons, with an emphasis on small combo work.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheryl has begun teaching exclusively remotely on Skype and Zoom with some exceptions. 

Take my Time:

CHERYL ALEX: Jazz flutist/vocalist/pianist/composer/educator journeys a landscape ethereal to earthy. Flute playing that soars, taking the listener on many musical adventures, coupled with unpretentious heartfelt vocals that make this a winning combination. Backed by a hard-hitting all-star combo. Cheryl has performed and recorded with top jazz artists such as Nancy King, Leroy Vinegar, Jerry Hahn, Alan Jones, Mel Brown, Dan Schulte, Lawrence Williams and many more.     JERRY HAHN: Legendary guitarist, trendsetting fusion pioneer whose albums set standards of modern jazz. His resume includes work with Paul Simon, Gary Burton, John Handy, Ginger Baker and David Friesen among other major recording artists.     RANDY PORTER: Randy Porter's long list of credits includes recordings and concerts with luminaries such as Freddie Hubbard, Diane Schuur, Stephane Grappelli and Charles McPherson. Randy's album "Porter plays Porter" featuring jazz vocalist Nancy King was recently nominated for a grammy.     ALAN JONES: Alan Jones, world renowned drummer has worked with Esperanza Spalding, Leroy Vinegar, Randy Brecker, Cecil Taylor to name a few.     DAN SCHULTE: Bassist, composer, educator, Dan Schulte has appeared with Portland Opera, Portland Chamber Orchestra, Jerry Hahn, Mel Brown, Randy Porter and studied with Glen Moore, Dave Holland. For more information on Cheryl's latest release "Take my Time" (Bluella records) click on "Buy CDs" then click on "Take my Time".