Some lazy journalists and singing fans are trying to say that Canadian vocalist Alex Bird is a rival to
fellow Canuck Michael Buble’. Well, after listening to his smoking debut, that critique is like saying that
Kamasi Washington is a rival to Kenny G! As my daughter once said about Buble’, “If I want to listen to
Mel Torme’, I’ll put on Mel Torme’”. Buble’ is “safe”, where as the more dangerous Bird, on the other
hand, is the word! Bird’s writing, like his delivery, already has a completely underivative feel, with one
foot in the tradition and the other in the dimly lit side streets. – George Harris at Jazz Weekly (USA)
“Very much a modern take on the traditions of the Great American Songbook, Bird resonates with
a quality parallel to Tony Bennett or Harry Connick Jr., and this debut album easily solidifies him as a
highly skilled artist with both intimate and adventurous song craft that sounds as great today as it will
30 years from now.” - Tom Haugen at Take Effect Reviews (USA)
Vocals are a rival to Michael Bublé with a dash of Edwyn Collins
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Some lazy journalists and singing fans are trying to say that Canadian vocalist Alex Bird is a rival to
fellow Canuck Michael Buble’. Well, after listening to his smoking debut, that critique is like saying that
Kamasi Washington is a rival to Kenny G! As my daughter once said about Buble’, “If I want to listen to
Mel Torme’, I’ll put on Mel Torme’”. Buble’ is “safe”, where as the more dangerous Bird, on the other
hand, is the word! Bird’s writing, like his delivery, already has a completely underivative feel, with one
foot in the tradition and the other in the dimly lit side streets. – George Harris at Jazz Weekly (USA)
“Very much a modern take on the traditions of the Great American Songbook, Bird resonates with
a quality parallel to Tony Bennett or Harry Connick Jr., and this debut album easily solidifies him as a
highly skilled artist with both intimate and adventurous song craft that sounds as great today as it will
30 years from now.” - Tom Haugen at Take Effect Reviews (USA)
Vocals are a rival to Michael Bublé with a dash of Edwyn Collins. Edgy stuff. Possibly the
new Elvis? Too much? Check it out yourselves. - ALL ABOUT JAZZ
The slow-footed 3:52 (In the Morning) is a potential future classic. Whisky Kisses is a luscious,
well-performed collection of originals that will appeal to fans of both ballads and up-tunes from
the 1930s to the 1950s. - Jeremy Isaac at JAZZ JOURNAL (UK)
“Crooners who not only sing in style according to classical etiquette, but also write their
own lyrics are rather rare. Canadian Alex Bird is one of the few exceptions. In short, it is all
there: The voice, the class, the sensuality and above all the feeling for both pathos and
swing. Eleven songs that fit perfectly into the repetoire of “The Great American Songbook”.
GEORGES TONLA BRIQUET at JAZZ’HALO (Belgium)
“I am somewhat skeptical about comparisons with the shadows of the great vocalists of the
past. No, Alex Bird will not become the second Sinatra, although he works in the same
stylistic field. He has already become the first Alex Bird, and if the trends outlined by
Whisky Kisses continue in the future, this name will sound louder and louder.” - LEONID
AUSKERN at JAZZ QUAD (Russia)
Bird will captivate any listener with his sultry and mellow voice that has just that touch of
smokiness which
both manages to serve as a hark back to the era of golden jazz crooners like Sinatra and Bennett
but
also brings
us into the present with a freshness that breathes new life into the traditional aspects of the
genre.
The
influence of jazz bigwigs such as Bennett, Baker and Fitzgerald on the golden throated vocalist is
apparent; Bird
adds a distinct charm to his stylings while bringing that timeless classiness along into his new
take
on the past.
Title track Whisky Kisses is a beautiful ballad that closes the album on a melancholic yet positive
note, a sign
that there’s much more to come from this astounding new talent. - Kati Kiilaspea at THE WHOLE
NOTE
(Canada)
Alex Bird, if you haven't heard his name, you soon will. The Toronto based jazz singer just
released
his debut
album, “Whisky Kisses.” Alex brings a modern twist to the classic crooners of days gone by. You
can
imagine
yourself putting on the record, lighting a fire, and pouring yourself a drink. His intimate lyrics and
smooth vocals
immediately pulls you in. It's an album you're certain to play again and again. - Bleu Bop (USA)
Considering that Whisky Kisses is a debut album, I have to bow in respect. For the Romanian-
born,
Canadian crooner, Alex Bird, really manages to put himself on stage with his songs and his great
voice. With the debut, he really appears as a challenger to his compatriot, Michael Bublé. The
material on Whisky Kisses - the total of 11 tracks - has an old fashioned standard vibe over it, but
all
tracks are original, written and created by Bird himself - along with others. And it swings -
optimistic, refreshing and cheerful. At times nostalgic, melancholy and tormented. But always
with a
sure sense of the entertainment value, the communication, the narrative. - IVAN ROD Journalist,
reviewer, author and editor (Copenhagen)
“Some critics say that Alex Bird is walking a line between Bublé and Elvis. His voice is familiar yet
fresh, easy to listen to, and confidently clear. His band, The Jazz Mavericks, are a hard-swinging
trio
featuring Ewen Farncombe (piano,B3,rhodes), Eric West (drums) and Scott Hunter (bass).
Together
they’ve been taking Toronto by storm and turning heads across Canada, the US and Europe. “ -
David Reed at THE BELLEVILLE INTELLIGENCER (Canada)
“Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks reveal a vital, original, and intimate passion with their
debut album Whisky Kisses. The album is due out October 23 2020. The magic of Whisky
Kisses is borne out of original songs that reflect the ambience of let’s say the noted
American Songbook (The Gershwins, Cole Porter) without copying them. This album is
special and will launch a new career.” - JOHN EMMS is a veteran music journalist,
musician/songwriter, and Juno Awards Judge. (Canada)
“I can’t get enough of Alex’s vocals. His voice is a potent part of the Jazz Mavericks’ sound.
The amount of musicality expressed in just the first few notes of Whisky Kisses is enough
to captivate the coldest of hearts - and the moments of emotionality, intimacy, and sheer
talent that follow are sure to immortalize Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks in the minds of
listeners everywhere.” - Jon W. at RADIO AIRPLAY (USA)
“Alex Bird is an incredible singer, songwriter, and performer. With his trademark look, he is
impressing musicians and fans alike every time he steps out on the stage.” – JAZZ
MONTHLY (USA)
“I finally had the pleasure of seeing up-and-coming Jazz vocalist Alex Bird perform live. To
say that I was impressed would be a hyperbolic understatement. With his lush tone and
fluttering vibrato, Alex Bird has one of the most entrancing voices I've ever heard on the
Toronto Jazz Scene. His style and effortless approach immediately brought to mind
legendary crooner Bobby Darin” - Joe Thomas at MADFORJAZZ (Canada)
“Alex is considered a serious contender to his compatriot Michael Bublé. I suddenly want a
good whisky! And dim lights.” – Zap Pow at MEDIAPART (France)
“We love Alex Bird’s debut, “The Way She Moves” …waiting for more.” LOUDCITY.FM
(Romania)
“Alex Bird is an up and coming artist who is so full of charisma, and charm, and raw talent. We
have
no doubt he is destined for great
things.” – Bern Euler DIRECTOR OF THE CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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