Melissa Aldana

BIO

Melissa Aldana is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz. A two-time GRAMMY-nominated tenor saxophonist, composer and bandleader, the Chilean-born, New York-based artist is recognized for her commanding sound, emotional depth and deeply personal approach to musical storytelling.

Aldana made history when she became the first woman to win the instrumental category of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Since then, she has built an acclaimed career defined by lyricism, technical brilliance and a singular artistic vision.

As a bandleader and collaborator, Aldana has worked with influential figures including Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano, Danilo Pérez, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Her acclaimed album Visions earned a GRAMMY nomination, while her Blue Note debut 12 Stars further established her as a major creative force.

Her latest Blue Note release, Filin, explores the intimate, poetic world of the Cuban filin tradition alongside Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Peter Washington, Kush Abadey and Cécile McLorin Salvant. The album highlights Aldana’s lyrical tenor sound and remarkable sensitivity to tone, space and emotion.
On stage, Aldana combines world-class musicianship with an unmistakable presence and an immediacy that resonates from intimate clubs to major international stages.