Katie Thiroux

Katie Thiroux is a bassist and vocalist of outstanding talent and determination. 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 2013, Katie formed The Katie Thiroux Quartet with guitarist Graham Dechter (Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Eliane Elias, Michael Buble), saxophonist Roger Neumann (Anita O'Day, Woody Herman) and drummer Matt Witek (Larry Fuller, John Pizzarelli Quartet). Working together as often as their schedules allow, her group’s most recent effort is an album that was released in February 2015. The recording was produced by Grammy award winning drummer Jeff Hamilton, engineered by Grammy Award winner Steve Genewick and mastered at Capitol Records by Grammy Award winner Ron McMaster. Jeff Hamilton remarks, “There’s no room for weaklings in this business and Katie’s determination is something that I admire. She’s doing everything she needs to do.”

Having performed at jazz festivals in the United States, Mexico, Germany, Finland, Serbia and Singapore 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. In addition to work with her quartet Katie has been heard with pianists Larry Fuller, 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 Lewis Nash and Jeff Hamilton, and vocalists Niki Harris and Tierney Sutton. Katie’s swinging bass, clear vocals and inspired instrumental arrangements are reflective of her musical idols: Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Chet Baker and Anita O’Day. Katie Thiroux’s knowledge, perseverance and fervor for the music make her a rising force in today’s scene.