Ali Golodner

Alisha (Ali) Golodner is an upcoming jazz vocalist, songwriter and artist. Born in Germany, Ali has a unique rags-to-riches backstory that has gives her artistry an insatiable drive and inspiring flair. Completely independent from any family from age 15, Golodner worked her way up and saved for school by working any job she could find. Music was the end goal. Starting out with classical training, she transitioned to musical theatre and eventually jazz and contemporary song. Golodner stresses the importance of starting with classical technique training, as it builds a strong foundation for all other genres. 

Praised for her expressive tone and vocal control, Ali currently studies at Berklee College of Music under the instruction of Farayi Malek. Additionally, she has studied with Sara Gazarek, Jane Monheit, Francisco Mela, Taylor O'Donnell, and Peter Eldridge. At Berklee, she studies Professional Music, with concentrations in jazz performance and private studio teaching. Golodner hopes to start a private studio post graduation, but for now offers one on one audition coachings and preparation. She is apart of the Downbeat award winning Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Berklee College of Music, under the direction of Ned Rosenblatt. Furthermore, she runs Point of Departure, an award winning Berklee vocal jazz group focusing on bringing light to classic tunes with a modern twist. Golodner has her own quartet and is currently in the process of starting her first full length album. Composed of seven original tunes and three arrangements, she hopes to combine the narratives of the Great American Songbook with contemporary harmony and reinvention. This album has a planned release for early 2025. Golodner feels most inspired by the vocal stylings of Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Jazzmeia Horn. 

Golodner is also an active poet. She composes with the unconventional approach of writing lyrics first, and then adding harmony. She cites her literary hero to be Kim Addonizio, known for her sardonic and feminist writing. Golodner also arranges for small bands, as well as running social media for the Boston Jazz Foundation. When she is not performing, she is often found reading, writing poetry, or petting the nearest dog.

Golodner uses both her arrangements of old and compositions of new jazz to bring light to women and nonbinary jazz musicians and music lovers alike.