On the Beat

The Siren Of Swing

ALEX PANGMAN: This young swing jazz singer (still just 22) has been a popular regular on the local club scene for the last few years. She recently released her second CD, Can't Stop Me From Dreaming, and launched it at Healey's. That's not surprising, given that Jeff Healey has been her musical mentor and producer of both records. He was also in Pangman's fine supporting band, contributing guitar and trumpet. Alex's repertoire concentrates on songs from the '20s and '30s, but avoids the familiar standards. Her one original song, "Melancholy Lullaby," was written for an upcoming TV film, and is a promising effort. Her voice lacks a little power, but she has a lovely tone that evokes that era nicely. By closing your eyes, you could easily imagine yourself back at the Cotton Club, not in a basement at Queen and Bathurst! Can't Stop Me From Dreaming is now out on Sensation/Trend.

EL MOCAMBO: The local rock scene is reeling with the news that the future of the beloved Elmo is under serious threat. Seems a new owner has different plans for the building, including turning the legendary upstairs music club into a dance studio. Club booker DAN BURKE confirms that "we're under siege, but we aren't rolling over without a major campaign of defense to maintain what the El Mocambo is: one of the world's most enduring and famous live clubs." That's no idle boast, as The Elmo has hosted the likes of THE ROLLING STONES, ELVIS COSTELLO, LOU REED, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, U2 (in front of 50 people, including yours truly), and, last year, THE GUESS WHO. It's now a home for some great punk and garage bands, including Japan's fabulous ZOOBOMBS. They recorded a live album there last year, and will rock the house on Oct. 8. The room may have to close by Nov. 1, so check it out before it's gone. There's a chance the ground-level club will stay open, but it just wouldn't be the same.

JUGHEAD: Together since 1989, these cats have long been known as one of the best live bands to drink to. They're clearly aware of that reputation, reminding us on the sleeve to new CD Speedwobble that their music "goes great with beer, tequila and Caesars!" They reconfirmed that at an entertaining CD launch party at The Horseshoe. Jughead officially have nine members, but I could swear they crammed an extra body or two onstage. They call their music "motorgrass," as it's a rocked-up version of bluegrass and country, featuring mandolin, banjo, accordion, washboard, fiddle and lotsa guitars and vocals. Mixed in with group originals are traditional tunes and wacky covers of sings like OZZY's "Crazy Train" (coincidentally covered by EMM GRYNER on her new disc) and RAMONES classic "I Wanna Be Sedated." Not sure if there's anything here to duplicate the gold-selling success of earlier single "The Hockey Song," but Speedwobble is tons of fun. Check out www.jughead.ca for more information.

DANIE CORTESE: This opera-trained Italian-Canadian singer brings a fresh and sassy new approach to country music. International CMA magazine wrote that "her vocals are sometimes alluring, sometimes little girlish but always interesting." You can see what the fuss is all about when Danie plays Healey's on October 9.

NEW RELEASES: This time of year is often a dead zone for interesting new albums, as the major labels begin blitzing us with Christmas records, greatest hits packages and new releases from their biggest acts. This year, though some great stuff (including guaranteed entries on my Best of Year list) has appeared recently. For fans of ambitiously orchestrated and moody rock, there are new discs from the two masters of the genre, MERCURY REV and SPIRITUALIZED. At first listen, All Is Dream and Let It Come Down (respectively) didn't quite live up to the brilliance of their predecessors, but they're gaining stature with every spin. The glowing reviews of BOB DYLAN's new album, Love And Theft are justified. His creaking voice is bolstered by the spirited playing of his band, and it contains some great songs.

Publication Date: 2001-10-07
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=469