Whisky Kisses
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
A Canadian jazz singer-songwriter with a penchant for classic sounds akin to Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra or even Elvis, here with The Jazz Mavericks, i.e. Ewen Farncombe, Eric West and Scott Hunter, Alex Bird turns in 11 originals with plenty of nostalgic flavor.
“Fire Not Warmth” starts the listen with low bass, warm organ and moody percussion as Bird’s inimitable vocals enter the jazz friendly landscape, and “Baby, I’ll Have You” follows with graceful piano steering a tune that parallels the timelessness of Sinatra or Bublé.
As we near the middle, “Gotta Run” moves with plenty of grooves amid a stylish and vocally strong setting, while “The Colours Of October” is a playful venture into lounge dynamics with keys, drums and bass all working together sublimely. “The Way She Moves”, one of the album’s best, then swings with much rhythm where Farncombe’s key make an indelible impression.
Near the end, “A Beautiful Girl” is a beautiful song with much melody in an atmosphere that sounds like it could have been made in any decade since the ‘60s and will fit in for decades to come, and “Whisky Kisses” exits the listen in balladry, where expressive singing and restrained musicianship highlight the talent present.
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.
Travels well with: Rebecca Hennessy- All The Little Things You Do; Manteca- The Twelfth Of Never