“You Are the Light and the Way presents an interesting challenge for a writer. Twelve new songs by Canadian vocalist Alex Bird (lyrics and music) and keyboardist Ewen Farncombe (music and arrangements) consistently sound like new "songbook classics"—in several places, as if Harry Connick Jr. magically composed music with Johnny Mercer. Bird, Farncombe and the Jazz Mavericks swing each tune with a refreshingly direct and honest spirit. The challenge? Writers often want to make great music sound more complicated than excellent tunes swung with power and grace.
But sometimes it really is that simple. You Are the Light and the Way is an absolute joy. Bird's voice is a strong and supple lead instrument, sometimes resounding echoes of Canada's pop vocal legend Paul Anka, and the Maverick's accompaniment moves as its mirror image, reflective and cool.
Bird's voice strolls all alone into the first verse of the opening "You Are the Light and the Way," cold and sharp as an icepick. The Mavericks slip in and pull the second verse down into a funky blue groove made up of gospel, pop, R&B, and jazz filtered through the musical colors of New Orleans, while drummer Eric West lays greasy jukejoint fatback behind the beat. "My Cutie Pie" more sharply focuses on that Crescent City sound, with West's big fat bass and drum sounds rocking its easy beat and Alexander Brown’s trumpet meowing and prowling like a wet tomcat crawling in from the rain.
You Are the Light and the Way turns the spotlight not only on Bird's commanding voice but also on the Jazz Mavericks. "Tell Me It's You," which sort of glides out from under the closing curtain of the preceding "I Held You In My Arms," somehow digs deep into a throaty, romantic saxophone sound but luxuriously floats like a drifting cloud upon the rhythm section's languid tempo. "Back to You" stretches the Mavericks out the most: In the first verse, West splashes cymbals and drums to rattle dissonant and eerie saxophone moans, then the second verse drops dead into the pocket of a blues stride so cool that it burns icy hot. Brown smolders through Miles Davis' acoustic muted ballad sound in "Sittin' By My Lonesome," a beautifully hurting sound so sweet it sings like a ballad and so sad it aches like a blues.
"Old Soul" rumbles from its opening swinging big-band sound into a finger-snapping stroll which Bird's vocal seems to relish with all the finger-snapping cool of Bobby Darin or even a young Frank Sinatra.
Sometimes, it really is just that simple.”
“Direct your feet to the funkier side of the street with a brand new single from 2022 #juno Nominees: Alex Bird and The Jazz Mavericks. Best Vocal Jazz Album: “You Are the Light and the Way”.
Bird and songwriting partner Ewen Farncombe take you on an all original vibe-out journey inspired by artists like Al Green & Bobby Darin.”
Oh Oh Ee Oh (Down the Road I Go)
Releasing: April 29th, 2022 (Independent)
Words by Alex Bird
Music by Alex Bird & Ewen Farncombe
Alex Bird - Vocals
Ewen Farncombe - B3/Rhodes
Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Sax
Leighton McKinley Harrell - Electric Bass
Eric West - Drums
With Special Guest: Alexander Brown - Trumpet
Recorded at Canterbury Music Company
Engineered & Mixed by Julian Decorte
Mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse
Cover Photo by Aref Mahabadi
Cover Design by Alex Bird
Copyright SOCAN Music 2022
Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks have been announced as a nominee in this year’s JUNO Awards. Their album “You Are the Light and the Way” was written by Bird and songwriting partner, Ewen Farncombe (piano).
https://junoawards.ca/nomination/2022-vocal-jazz-album-of-the-year-alex-bird-and-the-jazz-mavericks/
Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe have been named semi-finalists in this year’s Jazz category for The International Songwriting Competition. “Thinkin’ Bout You Tonight” off their sophomore album “You Are the Light and the Way” was chosen from over 21,000 entries. Finalists will be named in March of 2022, and winners shortly after.
Welcome to the newest west end Jazz Lounge. Jazz has had a home at Old Mill for many years and now we have created a unique space in our main Dining Room: cozy, intimate and reminiscent of the old Jazz clubs with a spot for those that want to dance… our new sound system will envelop your sense, while the inspiring and passionate artists on stage will hold your gaze.
We are delighted to announce the new Jazz Lounge, an Evening Series at Old Mill Hospitality. We are proudly partnered with JazzFM to bring you an intimate and soulful experience on selected Friday nights.
ALEX BIRD & THE JAZZ MAVERICKS have been asked to perform at this exciting new series.
https://www.oldmilltoronto.com/event/alex-bird-the-jazz-mavericks/
Words by Alex Bird
Music by Alex Bird, Jacob Gorzhaltsan, Nathan Beja
YOU ARE THE LIGHT AND THE WAY (2021)
METRONOME MAGAZINE (JAN 2022)
Following their award-winning and all original debut album, “Whisky Kisses” (2020), their sophomore album expands the sound of Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks, leading you down a path that blends the light and the dark. Bird and Ewen Farncombe have written 12 new originals ready to be placed into the next chapter of The Great American Songbook. “You Are The Light And The Way” takes inspiration from what has come before but brings it all into a new and exciting light. This album was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Alex Bird - Vocals
Ewen Farncombe - Piano/B3
Eric West - Drums
Leighton Harrell - Bass
Jacob Gorzhaltsan - Sax & Clarinet
Guest Personnel
Alexander Brown – Trumpet (4,5,8)
Jesse Ryan – Alto Sax (8)
Patrick Smith – Baritone Sax (8)
Tom Richards – Trombone (4, 8)
Will Lamoureux – Violin (2, 7)
Mo Mitchell – Violin (2, 7)
Andrew Chung – Viola (2, 7)
Jill Sauerteig – Cello (2, 7)
Lyrics by Alex Bird
Music by Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe
Produced by Alex Bird and Ewen Farncombe
Recorded by Jeremy Darby and Julian Decorte at The Canterbury Music Company (Toronto, Ontario)
Mastered by Peter Letros at Wreckhouse
Photography by Aref Mahabadi
Artwork and Graphic Design by Zoran Jovicic
Copyright @SOCAN 2021
Track Listing
1. You Are the Light and the Way
2. Where the Blackbird Sings
3. Way Back Home
4. My Cutie Pie
5. Sittin’ By My Lonesome
6. Fool for Love
7. Thinkin’ Bout You Tonight
8. Old Soul
9. I Held You in My Arms
10. Tell Me It’s You
11. Back to You
12. Honey Bee Lullaby
Jazzcast.ca is pleased to announce that Alex Bird will be coming on as a host with his own weekly show. “I’m Old Fashioned” is a journey to the land of the crooners and torch singers; with a special focus on the lesser played and unheard gems of their careers. Alex grew up seeing the likes of Oscar Peterson, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Cleo Laine, Ernestine Anderson, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles…and many other greats. Settle in for deep cuts and great stories.
I’m Old Fashioned with Alex Bird is sponsored by Sellers & Newel Second-Hand Books
All episodes available on Mixcloud.
“Because One Day” is a short documentary directed by Aref Mahabadi that tells the story of how Alex was adopted from Romania, came to Canada, and grew up going to the Jazz clubs as a kid. The music from the documentary showcases music from Alex’s original debut album, “Whisky Kisses”. After opening up this year’s digital festival, the film festival jury has awarded Alex, “Best Music”. A category that held such other nominees as celebrated Jazz musician, Hilario Duran.
Alex Bird and the Jazz Mavericks release their debut original single. “The Way She Moves”. Written by Alex Bird and Charlie Angus, the single will be on Alex’s debut album, “Whisky Kisses” (Fall 2020). Here is the music video shot by, Aref Mahabadi.