What The Press Is Saying
Songwriter (2022)
Impassioned messages sung and played from one’s heart but worn on a well-dressed sleeve. Sonwriter is an elegant, romantic and well-executed gem of a record.” - Kira Grunenberg at DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE (USA)
With a single phrase, the directness of Bird’s voice conveys so much emotional information, that even the most silent seconds have an unshakeable sense of fulfillment to them. There’s an endearing ebb and flow to Bird & Farncombe’s tandem, like a cordial exchange of shared dance, a conversation. There are magical moments where each musician sounds like they’re completing the other’s ideas before they’re conceived.” - Yoshi Maclear Wall at THE WHOLENOTE (Canada)
Everyone chooses a reference point that is close to them. A number of contemporary male jazz vocalists are following in the footsteps of Sinatra, Bennett, and Tormé. In general, that's the path Alex Bird is following as well. But, unlike many and many who perform varying degrees of independent versions of hits from the repertoire of those stars or standards from the Great American Songbook, Bird sings exclusively songs of his own composition. Alex Bird’s voice is still velvet in sound and varied in intonation, and Ewen's piano accurately and delicately supports the soloist. All in all, the album looks quite decent to my taste. JUNO is somewhere around here...” - Leonid Auskern at JAZZ QUAD (Russia)
“ This is the third album I’ve heard by vocalist/songwriter Alex Bird, and he is not only not wearing out his welcome, but he’s continuing to grow as an artist. In this world, of ordinary singers, extra-ordinary singers, I’m glad there is Bird. Check him out, and beg for a tour some day.” - George Harris at JAZZ WEEKLY
“The chemistry and interaction between Alex and Ewen feels like they are just one performer. There is no battle of wills going on, no fighting for the spotlight, just some really excellent, utterly selfless, music that shows that, in a world of gimmicks and big production, there is still room for an intimate disc such as this.” - Shane Brown Author of Bobby Darin: Directions (PhD in Film, Television & Media) (UK)
“The duo of Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe brings together two of Canada’s finest jazz artists for 11 new originals of well thought out and very literate pieces of piano and vocals. A listen that certainly brings to mind the Tony Bennett/Bill Evans sessions, Bird and Farncombe’s combined strengths make for a superbly enjoyable and sophisticated version of jazz that we could never tire of.” - TAKE EFFECT (USA)
“Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe channel the vintage sounds of the great American Songwriter with their sophisticated, stunning and superb new album Songwriter. An authentic, loving throwback to the glory days of artists like Bill Evans and Tony Bennett, Songwriter brings the charismatic Juno-nominated duo of velvet-voiced singer Bird and expressive pianist Farncombe together for their third original album in as many years.” - TINNITIST (Canada)
“Feel free to call it a return to the essence of composition by a vocalist with an extremely recognizable voice and a pianist who knows his jazz classics. a collection of songs that sound like the soundtrack of a jazz club just before dawn, with melancholy dripping off them.” Georges Tonla Briquet at JAZZ’halo (Belgium)
“With no back-up musicians of any kind, the duo – polished to a point where you can almost see your face - offer accomplished, unobtrusive and pleasant music. A perfect complement to the fair weather alleged to obtain when good fellows get together and break bread in an A-list hostelry.” Leo Nock at JAZZ JOURNAL (UK)
YOU ARE THE LIGHT AND THE WAY(2021)
“12 new songs by Canadian vocalist Alex Bird & pianist Ewen Farncombe consistently sound like new "songbook classics"—in several places, as if Harry Connick Jr. magically composed music with Johnny Mercer. You Are the Light and the Way is an absolute joy.” - Chris M. Slawecki at ALL ABOUT JAZZ (USA)
“Alex Bird is "the real thing" for those who love unadulterated crooner style. This is not a gratuitous recycling but a very personal addition to “The Great American Songbook". “Thinkin About You Tonight” is a new instant classic.” - Georges Tonla Briquet at JAZZ’halo (Belgium)
“Alex Bird is one of those rare musical finds. He returns with an exceptionally crafted album of world-class originals entitled, You Are The Light and The Way. One of the finest jazz records you’ll hear all year. If you’re a fan of great jazz crooners like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., and others, seek out Alex Bird & The Jazz Mavericks. They’re the real deal.” - Brian M. Owens at METRONOME MAGAZINE (USA)
“Call it “The New Cool” if you will. Original and daring the possibilities of Bird and the Jazz Mavericks to be true stylists is wide open." - JOHN EMMS (Canada)
“The sophomore album from Alex Bird and his band, You Are The Light And The Way expands on the greatness achieved of their award winning debut, Whisky Kisses. All the tunes present are originals and fully ready to be added to The Great American Songbook, where their thriving brand of jazz embraces grooves, funk, swing and big band ideas that won’t disappoint from beginning to end.” - Take Effect (USA)
“Award-winning singer-songwriter Alex Bird has done it again on his newest release, showcasing his vocal prowess as well as great compositional skills. This golden-voiced vocalist, reminiscent of Sinatra and Elling, along with pianist and songwriting partner-in-crime Ewen Farncombe, has penned 12 new tracks. Bird’s sound has grown to newer and greater heights with this record. This album would be a valuable addition to the collection of any jazz lover who’s looking to dive into the deeper and darker crevices of the genre.” - Kati Kilaspea at The WholeNote (Canada)
"Back in October of 2020, the debut album of vocalist/songwriter Alex Bird and his band The Jazz Mavericks came out and punched me like a right cross. Unlike most vocal albums, it was original, it was hip, it was completely underived and it swung. Well, Bird and the band haven’t run out of ideas for their follow-up here. And it’s not just “more of the same”. Due to COVID, this team has not had a chance to tour, so when they do, run, don’t walk, to see them if they’re within 100 miles of your town.” - George Harris at JAZZ WEEKLY (USA)
“ When listening to the album one is reminded of famous crooners of the past, but we are dealing with a quite modern artist. Today, when there is uncertainty in society, when the intensity of the pandemic does not subside, the retro style of Alex Bird helps to take the mind away to times that from afar seem happy and serene...” - Leonid Auskern at JAZZ QUAD (Russia)
“Alex and co-writer Ewen Farncombe are still wearing their influences on their sleeve, but this time around they have taken those influences and run with them, forging more individual songs and sounds. If Whisky Kisses was a warm, quintessential love album, then You are the Light and the Way has a different personality. It is less safe in many ways, with Alex and his musicians feeling more confident and trying out a variety of new ideas in the compositions and new arrangements. This most definitely isn’t Whisky Kisses 2. It’s going to be intriguing to see what musical direction Alex & co. are going to take during the years to come.” - Shane Brown Author of Bobby Darin: Directions (PhD in Film, Television & Media) (UK)
WHISKY KISSES (2020)
"Every now and again, an act emerges from the cosmos and shakes up the planet. One of those ground-breaking bands is Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks. Bird and his group of talented players are rewriting the textbook for vocal-infused Jazz. Joining the stable of contemporary jazz creators like Michael Bublé, John Pizzarelli and Esperanza Spalding, Bird proves to be every bit as talented and deft as his counterparts.” " - Brian M. Owens at METRONOME MAGAZINE (Boston)
"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 Bublé, “If I want to listen to Mel Torme, I’ll put on Mel Torme”. Bublé is “safe”, whereas 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)
"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)
“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)
"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 WHOLENOTE (Canada)
" Alex Bird is a Canadian singer and songwriter of immense talent and the new album, his first, confirms that statement. I hope Alex will soon have a chance to get to Europe and showcase his talent here – I for sure can’t wait to hear him live!" – Wulf’s Music + Blog (Spain)
“I am somewhat sceptical 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)
“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 fit perfectly into the repertoire of “The Great American Songbook”. Georges Tonla Briquet at JAZZ’halo (Belgium)
“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)
"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)
“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)
” 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 (USA)
“If my comments about Alex Bird wearing the influences on his sleeve have sounded like the album is lacking in originality, then let me correct that. Those influences have clearly been absorbed like a sponge by a young man who loves their music, but the compositions and performances on Whisky Kisses are not a regurgitation of everything they (and the classic songwriters) have done. The compositions don’t sound like Cole Porter songs, and the vocals certainly don’t sound like Sinatra (or any of the singers I have listed in the previous paragraph). This is most definitely a young singer acknowledging how much he loves (and has learned from) the past but looking to the future. Considering the amount of positive reviews that have appeared on various websites and in jazz publications over the last few weeks, that future is going to be bright.” - SHANE BROWN Author of Bobby Darin: Directions (PhD in Film, Television & Media) (UK)
“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)
“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 single, “The Way She Moves” …waiting for more.” LOUDCITY.FM (Romania)
“Alex Bird is so full of charisma, charm, and raw talent. We have no doubt he is destined for great things.” – Bern Euler DIRECTOR OF THE CANADIAN FILM FESTIVAL
AWARDs/Accolades
2023 Headliner for The Sudbury Jazz Festival
2022 JUNO Award Nomination: “Best Vocal Jazz Album”
Canada Council For the Arts: Grant in 2022 for “Songwriter”
Canadian Music Week 2021 Showcase Artist: Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks
Jazzcast.ca: Alex was announced in March 2021 as a brand-new host on Jazzcast.ca, which was started by Dani Elwell, Garvia Bailey and Walter Venafro. Alex is the host of “I’m Old Fashioned”, a journey to the land of the crooners and torch singers, with a focus on the lesser-played gems.
Canada Council for the Arts: Grant to record and release a second album (2021)
Best Music at the Canadian Film Fest (2020) for the short doc “Because One Day”. The short doc opened the festival and tells the story of Alex being adopted from Romania when he was six weeks old, coming to Canada, and growing up going to the Jazz clubs in downtown Toronto.
Best Jazz Song at the World Songwriting Awards (2020): “Whisky Kisses”
Unsigned Only Competition (2020 and 2021): Semi-Finalist
Global Music Awards Bronze Medal Winner (2020): Emerging Artist
International Songwriting Competition (2020): Semi-Finalist