How long have you been playing?
Melissa Latronica-Welch is a 5 foot 9, blonde, age 23, alto sax musician who can cover a wide range of genres, including: blues; early jazz; smooth jazz; classical, rock n' roll; latin; 80's pop; hip hop and more. She went into a local music store with her dad in fourth grade after scoring highest in her class on a hearing test, and chose sax as her specialty. (It was the shiniest thing in there.) Immediately, she annoyed her neighbors hours at a time while figuring out how to play this thing. By the time sixth grade rolled around, she would remain first chair alto sax player up to her freshman year at Valparaiso University, earning the Louis Armstrong Scholarship along the way. During high school, she was heavily involved in Marching Band, Advanced Concert, and Jazz Band. After dropping out of Valparaiso University for personal reasons, she now resides with her husband and two daughters in Northwest Indiana and does gigs weekly at a variety of restaurants, bars, and art galleries. More recently, she was offered a potential business deal with a producer of MTV and an entrepreneur, which is planning on coming into fruition deeper into 2012. As of 2010, Melissa has garnered a growing fan base and increasing popularity in Northwest Indiana and Chicago, performing with renowned blues artists such as Carl Weathersby and J.W. and the Chitown Hustlers. She also made a guest appearance at the House of Blues in Chicago.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first concert Melissa ever went to was a Classical music concert performed by The Chicago Symphony Orchestra in fifth grade. The first rock n' roll concert was Ted Nugent, and she attends many blues fests.
What gear do you use?
A black lacquer Cannonball sax is Melissa's choice of instrument. The tone quality is beautiful and she switches between a round and square barrel mouthpiece during performances.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Dancing in Dad's basement was always an adventure for Melissa and her sister, Amanda. Their father would play many records dating with music from the 20's up through the 70's..It was always fun to listen to and eventually, she found herself playing along with many of the songs when she got her sax.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Melissa performed with many bands on request and has done paid gigs at bars, clubs, and artist receptions.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Ray Charles would be the ideal choice. He was an inspiration to musicians everywhere and a great human being.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
David Soltany, a French Guitarist friend of Melissa, sent her an album of his and she's had it for five years now and still is not tired of listening to it. " There's such a variety of genre's and beautiful, soulful melodies, fit for every kind of mood you could be in on any given day."
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M.L. Welch w/Thomas Matecki
Melissa Welch
- Saxophone
Video
Portage, Indiana
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" M.L. Welch w/Rich Hall
Melissa Welch
- Saxophone
Video
Portage, Indiana
Remix made by taking alto sax sounds, dubbing them, and adding voiceover and one sound effect.
Melissa Welch
- Saxophone
Video
Portage, Indiana
M.L. Welch w/Red Light Runner
Melissa Welch
- Saxophone
Video
Portage, Indiana
"House of the Rising Sun" with M.L. Welch, D.C. Atkinson, and Robbie Stains
Melissa Welch
- Saxophone
Video
Portage, Indiana
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