Alex Bird music @ All About Jazz

Updated: June 1, 2020

Born: September 18, 1990

THE STORY...

Alex Bird is a singer/songwriter and actor in Toronto, ON. With a swinging style and an indescribable charm, Alex is currently working on an entirely new chapter in the Great American Songbook, with his soon to be released debut album “Whisky Kisses”, recorded at Canterbury Studios with the masterful, Jeremy Darby. The album is comprised of 12 songs with 11 being originals written by Alex. “The Way She Moves”, one of the originals off the album, is being released on November, 30th, 2019.

Alex literally grew up with the classics. As a young boy he was taken to hang around the Toronto Jazz scene, and had the opportunity to see and meet many of the greats along the way; Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Mel Torme, Ray Charles...the list goes on. Without even knowing it, his musical training developed, sitting around at smoky Jazz clubs into the wee small hours of the morning.

With influences spanning from the 20s to the 70s, Alex Bird is a writer of incredible precision and lyrical depth. Working with a killer line up of young musicians, dubbed “The Jazz Mavericks”, they are pushing the boundaries of a beautiful tradition and bringing it into a new era. The Jazz Mavericks are rising stars in their own right. Ewen Farncombe on piano, Eric West on drums, and Scott Hunter on bass.

Over the past year, Alex and his band have been steadily playing across the city. Quickly becoming one of the new exciting bands to see. These gigs have included a few residencies and performances at a number of iconic venues including the Legendary Horseshoe Tavern, N’Awlins Jazz Bar and The Jazz Bistro.

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Take Five with Alex Bird

April 29, 2020

Alex Bird And The Jazz Mavericks: 'Whisky Kisses' (Single)

”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

“ 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 in recent memory. His style and effortless approach immediately brought to mind legendary crooner Bobby Darin, a compliment of the highest esteem

”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

“Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks' “The Way She Moves” saunters in like the first notes of a good bourbon - sweet, rich, and warm. The drums are hypnotizing at first, keeping the listener baited so that Alex Bird's voice comes as a smooth surprise, and if that alone wasn't enough to hook you, the ensuing organ groove will root you in place for the rest of the ride.

“The Way She Moves” is an instant fit for the genre, and Alex Bird's voice is a potent part of The Jazz Mavericks' sound. I think this song has a lot to offer anyone who enjoys the classic crooners, and plenty more to offer discerning Jazz fans. It's definitely got me on the lookout for more!” - Radio Airplay

“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. Beginning with only a few elements of the full compliment and working up to a passionate but restrained frenzy, Whisky Kisses is a journey worth taking - and Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks keep the magic flowing from start to finish. The lead vocals are intensely beautiful - Alex's voice is so perfect for this style, and Whisky Kisses really highlights that dynamic in the band's sound. The instrumentals are extremely tasteful, both in performance and in structure. Letting the keys carry the sound in the introduction does a stellar job of setting the mood - and the audio capture is so perfect that we're treated to the sound of the piano dampers being manipulated! The resulting sound is refined but still organic, allowing listeners to enjoy a highly polished product while still feeling present in the space where it was created. Seriously awesome work. Fans of jazz should find it fitting that The Jazz Mavericks are living up to their namesake - and the vocal stylings of Alex Bird are more than enough to become lost in even without the expert instrumental support. With soft, sweeping moments of pure music and lyrics that tug insistently at the heartstrings, Whisky Kisses has something for everyone - and even more for the romantics. This robust musical experience pairs well with water, wine, and... well. You get it.” - Jon W. RADIO AIRPLAY

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