Alicia Wiley

LIVES: Plymouth

DAY JOB: Teaching keyboarding at Minneapolis Central School and My Music Store

JAZZ ROOTS: “My dad is really into jazz. He’s a closet piano player. He’s one of those guys who sits in the basement and plays, but doesn’t really play for anybody. Starting in middle school, I’d stand next to the piano and sing along to some of the standards with him.”

HER MENTORS: “I really loved an improv class and a studio class I took from Mike Elliott [at Musictech, now McNally Smith College of Music]. He was definitely one of my favorite teachers. He really inspired me and was very encouraging. I’d always sing when I played, but I was very shy about it. Sue Tucker really helped me get out of my shell as far as singing.”

CONNECTIONS: “I met my drummer Kevin Washington when I was playing a gig with Doug Little at Lurçat. Through Kevin, I met Jeff Bailey, because they’re in a band together. I play with Jon Herchert sometimes. I met him through Jeff. I play with Brandon Commodore too, who I met through the circle. It’s a small circle, small but mighty.”

NEXT ALBUM: “I’m hoping to start recording by the end of the year. I’m excited to get the third one out. I’ve been ready for a while, but you have to save up before you can afford to do it. I’ve been playing with the concept of a lot of solo pieces.”

CATCH HER ACT: Dec. 14. Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-332-1010, aliciamusic.net