Ross Wooldridge Septet feat. Alex Pangman

Multi-instrumentalist Ross Wooldridge in a composer, arranger, producer, conductor, transcription specialist and educator. He co-leads traditional jazz band the Dixie Demons with trombonist Dan Douglas, and maintains a busy career of playing and recording with his Tribute to the Benny Goodman Sextet, and Tribute to Artie Shaw and his Gramercy 5, and his various big band shows such as Benny Meets Artie – the Hits of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. Notable names he has recorded with are Peter Appleyard, Don Thompson, Alex Pangman, Jaymz Bee, Terra Hazelton and the late Jeff Healey.

Leader of Toronto's Galaxy Orchestra, Ross has written many of their arrangements and produced their CD “Tribute to the Kings of Swing” which is played regularly on radio stations across North America. Two new albums from the Galaxy Orchestra are scheduled for release soon. Notable are his critically acclaimed recordings Tribute to the Benny Goodman Sextet Volumes 1 and 2, Scuttlebutt – a Tribute to Artie Shaw and his Gramercy 5 and two Dixie Demons recordings “Live at the Rex” and “Fossil Fuel”.

Most recently Ross produced and arranged the new album by Brenda Brown “Life Among Giants”, a dynamic recording featuring a stellar big band and concert orchestra.

Ross teaches elementary school band classes for the Toronto District School Board.

Although Alex Pangman grew up a couple of generations late to have sung with Benny Goodman, the vibrant vocalist is proud to be known as Canada's Sweetheart of Swing. With pipes aplenty, Juno nominee Pangman possesses the requisite taste, talent and knowledge of an avid record collector to breathe new life into the enduring songs of the classic jazz era. When she’s not singing, she’s also a broadcaster on JAZZFM.91 on her program Swing Set.

A superb song stylist, the gifted Toronto scenemaker and singer has built a loyal fanbase amongst jazz listeners and swing dancers alike through her critically acclaimed work surrounded by her wonderful Alleycats and Sweet Hots trio in the studio, nightclubs and concert halls. This includes several stellar shows at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, plus major jazz festivals across Canada, including at Massey Hall for the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, where she opened for Willie Nelson. Rhythm is her business, and so she’s proud to have worked with guitarists Bucky and John Pizzarelli, plus Jeff Healey. Since her miraculous 2008 lung transplant, her voice has also taken her to America, England and Scotland. She’s got Moxie!

The Music Performance Trust Fund is funded by the Recording Industries of North America and is independent of the American Federation of Musicians. The fund was established in 1948 as part of a landmark agreement between the AFM and the major record companies of the day. Current signatory labels include Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Walt Disney Records.