Home » Jazz Musicians » Alex Pangman

Alex Pangman

Having found solace at a young age in Ella Fitzgerald and the vocal work of Louis Armstrong, JUNO nominated Alex Pangman also found a calling. Proud to be known as ‘Canada’s Sweetheart Of Swing’, her natural vocal abilities and obsessive, deep appreciation for that bygone era have earned her a place in our nation’s heart. She’s not old fashioned, though. Pangman is a vivacious performer who retains creative control of all her work: carefully choosing her repertoire, composing original material, assembling her backing band and co-producing much of her recent recorded output. Rather than some casual throwback, Pangman delivers a unique, deliberate reinterpretation of one of North America’s most fertile, timeless eras. Her 2014 album "New" (recorded in New Orleans) was JUNO nominated for jazz vocal and explories the popular songs of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. Prior to that, an opening slot for Willie Nelson at Massey Hall, and a recording called "Have A Little Fun" featuring guitar legend Bucky Pizzrelli, as well as her album "33" which was her first album for Justin Time Records, Montreal. Pangman has toured Canada many times and made countless television and radio appearances. Her early years of jazz study included a mentorship among the traditional Jazz players in Toronto and several albums for Senstation Records, and Real Gone Gal, including a 78 rpm release to benefit hurricane Katrina survivors. Her band The Alleycats is made up of some of Canada's finest players in the style, including Peter Hill on Piano, Ross Wooldridge on clarinet, John Macleod on cornet, Drew Jurecka on fiddle, Glenn Anderson on drums, Chris Banks on bass among others! "Without them," Pangman says, "I'm just a girl singing in the shower!"

Awards

JUNO nominee 2016 vocal Jazz Best Female Vocalist Now Magazine Toronto 3x National Jazz Award nominee Winner Canadian Collector's Congress Award


Tags

"Her upbeat positive attitude make Pangman a perfect choice as Top Canadian swinger. She brings the songs of early jazz alive. She's a little old timey, but contemporary at the same time. Pangman is welcome as a regular spin on Tonic because of her friendly and approachable sound. She really is a sweetheart of swing!" CBC Radio/Tonic

"In Alex Pangman's musical world, hot tunes flow like bathtub gin in a back-alley speakeasy. She roars through a repertoire of vintage swing and blues, possessed by the coltish spirit of a young Mildred Bailey or Ella Fitzgerald. There are champagne bubbles in Pangman's voice as she growls, sighs and wears her heart on her sleeve. There's a lot of nudging and winking with today's neo-trad jazz stylists. Not Pangman. She plays it straight and she plays for keeps." Montreal Gazette

Read more

Louis Armstrong
trumpet and vocals
Kay Starr
vocals
The Boswell Sisters
band / ensemble / orchestra

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

If We Never Meet...

Self Produced
2021

buy

The Connee Boswell...

Justin Time Records
2020

buy

New

Justin Time Records
2014

buy

Have A Little Fun

Justin Time Records
2013

buy

33

Justin Time Records
2011

buy

Breathe In

Independent
2011

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.