With a long list of accolades that looks like a seasoned veteran, the 30 year artist is full steam ahead with a busy international touring schedule and new projects in the works. Lending contemporary flair to mainstream stylings, Thiroux carries on the hard swinging tradition of such bass masters as Ray Brown and John Clayton, while channeling the buoyant vocal finesse of iconic singers including Anita O’Day, Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. Thiroux offers in-the-moment jazz that draws upon the rich history of the music, from swing to bebop and beyond. Thiroux’s unique gift of simultaneously balancing sultry vocals and virtuosic bass playing leaves audiences worldwide in awe. In the words of music icon Quincy Jones, “This girl is IT!”

Her latest compositions come in the form of her new bass and vocal album Always But Never Alone. Thiroux describes the emotional inspiration behind the album:

“This record is for anyone who has ever been through an uncertain time and learning to be comfortable with it. For me, that journey began — and continues — with parenting my daughter, who is autistic, nonverbal, developmentally delayed, and has apraxia of speech. From the moment I was pregnant, I knew I’d never be alone again. We share DNA, cells, and a bond deeper than words. The music is just bass and voice — recorded live, together. Each track reflects a part of me: mother, wife, performer, me. It’s not all heavy. I find light in the dark. That’s what I do.

I recorded the album in 3 hours. It’s gapless, meant to be listened to in one sitting. The cover art mirrors my daughter’s autistic world: layered, vivid, unpredictable. Colors turning in every direction — like her life. Thank you for listening. I hope you hear yourself in it, too.”

Purchase and Stream the Album: HERE

Coming from a musical family in Los Angeles, she was surrounded by music; beginning with violin lessons at age 4 then switching to the acoustic bass at age 8. While continuing her studies on bass, Katie explored both jazz and classical vocal styles; landing principal roles in the LA Opera and Opera Pacifica by the age of 10. Captivated by an early recording of Lionel Hampton, Katie was driven to pursue her love for jazz and began studying privately with jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton at the age of 12. In 2005 Thiroux began a mentorship with John Clayton that started at the Vail Jazz Party and later that year she received the Los Angeles Jazz Soceity award, “Shelly Manne New Talent.” In 2006 was awarded the Phil Ramone Presidential Scholarship to Berklee College of music which included full tuition and room and board. Upon graduation, Thiroux was asked to teach at the Berklee International School in Ecuador, Quito. She returned to her native Los Angeles and completed a Masters of Jazz Bass from California State University of Long Beach on full scholarship. Music education is 

In addition to work with her quartet, Thiroux was an active member of the Larry Fuller Trio and has has been heard with, among others, pianists Justin Kauflin, Bill Cunliffe, Geri Allen, Helen Sung, Tamir Hendelman and Eric Reed, trumpeters Brian Lynch and Terrell Stafford, saxophonists Jeff Clayton, Charles McPhearson and Ken Peplowski, guitarists Mundell Lowe and Larry Koonse, drummers Terri Lyne Carrington, Lewis Nash and Jeff Hamilton, and vocalists Patti Austin, Niki Harris and Tierney Sutton. Having performed at jazz festivals in the United States, Mexico, Germany, Finland, Serbia, Singapore and Switzerland as both a leader and a sideman, Thiroux often incorporates workshops for students and audiences. It is her passionate belief that exposure to jazz history, culture and styles is vital in keeping the music alive and thriving. Katie’s swinging bass, clear vocals and inspired instrumental arrangements are reflective of her musical idols both past and present. Katie Thiroux’s knowledge, perseverance and fervor for the music make her a rising star in today’s scene. Thiroux is thankful for the mentorship she received growing up and now while on tour, she incorporates workshops for students and audiences . It is her passionate belief that exposure to jazz history, culture and styles is vital in keeping the music alive and thriving.

For more: Click Here