Having found solace at a young age in Ella Fitzgerald and the vocal work of Louis Armstrong, JUNO nominated songstress 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. She has played both Massey Hall and Koerner Hall, and opened for Willie Nelson, Bob Newhart and played with both Bucky & John Pizzarelli, as well as being a music student of the late Jeff Healey.
You can watch Alex by visiting her https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJLscJbn5T6PfuOgEK4eBfA”>YouTube channel.
Alex Pangman and her Alleycats Band Members
Alex Pangman – Vocals
Call her the sweetheart of swing. Call her superb interpreter of the American Songbook. She is jubilant jazzer with a penchant for music from the 1920s to 40s.
Peter Hill – Piano
A stylistic student of Dave Mckenna, Hill is an on-call jazz pianist in both the traditional jazz, vocalist, honky tonk, and modern jazz scenes in Toronto.
Glenn Anderson – Drums
The perpetually busy drummer cites Buddy Rich & Gene Krupa as influences, whilst bringing his own “Anderson flair” to the kit. He is co-leader of Red Hot Ramble, a New Orleans groove based band.
Chris Banks – Double Nass
Solid, swinging, and diverse, Banks graduated Mohawk College and his solid playing has taken him across the globe as far as Dubai and Newfoundland!
Ross Wooldridge – Clarinet and Tenor Sax
A musical prodigy & a disciple of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, his clarinet dexterity is legendary in Canada. Coupled with passionate tenor sax chops, this makes him the rooster among the Alleycats lineup.
Awards:
Alex Pangman – Juno vocal jazz nominee 2016, & NOW magazine Toronto best female vocalist 2015
Quotes:
“She channels the bygone era without affectation…the album has an intimate, warm sound that’s rare in modern jazz recordings. Pangman proves that music from the 30s still has relevance.” – SARAH GREENE, NOW MAGAZINE
“Ebulliant….Pangman and Her Alleycats party like it’s 1933.” – USA TODAY
“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 TONIC/ TIM TAMASHIRO
Performances:
2018 Big Band Fundraiser
Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre, 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
JAZZ in the PARK
Simcoe Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Other Performances:
DATE: Saturday, July 30th, 2016
TIME: 1:15PM – 2 PM
EVENT: JAZZ in the PARK
VENUE: Simcoe Park
ADDRESS: Picton St. and King St., Niagara-on-the-Lake
TICKET PRICE: FREE EVENT – Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!