Is This Iowa's Next Great Jazz Singer?

This episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast features an engaging conversation with Aviana Gedler, a talented jazz vocalist from Des Moines. Aviana, known for her impressive jazz performances, shares her journey from growing up in Iowa to studying jazz vocal music in Boston. She discusses her early influences, including her brother and high school jazz choirs, which sparked her love for jazz. Her dedication to the genre led her to pursue vocal jazz performance at the New England Conservatory.

Aviana recently achieved second place in the 2024 Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition, a testament to her burgeoning talent. During the podcast, she describes her fascination with the complexity of jazz, her passion for ear training, and her progression from classical music to jazz. Aviana also highlights her musical versatility, playing multiple instruments such as piano, viola, and oboe, although she now focuses primarily on singing.

Maxwell and Aviana delve into the differences between classical music and jazz, emphasizing jazz's improvisational nature and its roots in African American musical traditions. Aviana expresses her admiration for contemporary jazz vocalists like Cyrille Aimée and Icelandic vocalist, Laufey, who have influenced her style. She also acknowledges the classic jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

Aviana shares her experiences teaching music, her gap year teaching at Central Iowa Music Lab, and assisting classes at Arrow Academy of Music. She discusses the supportive jazz community in Des Moines, which has provided her with numerous performance opportunities and a nurturing environment to grow as an artist.

Looking ahead, Aviana is focused on gaining more performing experience and possibly pursuing a graduate program that emphasizes ensemble playing. She finds joy in performing, improvising, and connecting with other musicians, which she believes is central to jazz.

Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast provides a platform for Aviana to share her story, musical journey, and aspirations. Listeners are encouraged to follow her career and look out for her performances, particularly in Des Moines and potentially in larger jazz scenes across the country.