Songwriter
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
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.
“This Songs Is Ours” opens with Farncombe’s mature, dreamy keys alongside Bird’s stirring, expressive voice in the intimate climate, and “I’ve Seen The Sun” follows with bouncy piano amid Bird’s vivid storytelling that soars with much warmth.
In the middle, “Symphony Of Love” finds itself in romantic territory that’s quite stirring, while “If You’re Not Laughing (You’re Cryin’)” emits much beauty from Bird’s smooth pipes amid the eloquent piano playing.
“Tiny Warbler” and the title track exit the listen, where the former lands in dreamy areas of absorbing and timeless jazz, and the latter picks up the pace with a frisky and bouncy demeanor that’s quite infectious.
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.
Travels well with: Mulo Francel- Mountain Melody; Melissa Stylianou- Dream Dancing