PATRICK SMITH – “ENDLESS CONSTRUCTION”
INDEPENDENT
Originally from Ottawa, ON, Patrick Smith is a Toronto-based saxophonist who has studied with Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, and acclaimed American saxophonist Mark Shim. Smith has established himself as a gifted and in-demand musician on the Canadian music scene. An active bandleader, he heads three projects: his quintet, his trio 3-Oh, and Pangea – a jazz fusion concept group that combines UK jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and world music. Pangea features top Toronto musicians Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Listening Room), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte).
Pangea’s debut album, Pangea: Rebirth, is a bold exploration of global musical connectivity and jazz fusion. The album covers a wide stylistic and emotional range, from celebratory funk to deeply reflective ballads. Its lead single, “Endless Construction”, (dedicated to Eglinton West), captures the album’s ethos with its unique mix of groove-driven rhythms, compelling improvisation, and a narrative inspired by Toronto’s urban chaos
Smith’s creative process and vision shine throughout Pangea: Rebirth, which draws influences from artists like Shabaka Hutchings and Ezra Collective, as well as genres beyond the jazz idiom, such as neo-soul and world music. The decision to record the album live to tape in a small, unfinished basement studio added a raw, old-school energy. “Endless Construction” (dedicated to Eglinton West) showcases the album’s experimental spirit, featuring a vintage Hammond B3 organ and daring effects on saxophone and sousaphone that give the track a modern edge.
The album’s themes reflect both the challenges and beauty of life, blending intense, contemplative moments with uplifting, celebratory grooves. Tracks like “Rollin’ Into New Brunswick” bring James Brown-inspired funk, while the Arabic-influenced “Another Set” and the Wayne Shorter tribute duo improvisation reveal the wide emotional and stylistic range of the record.
ARTIST QUOTE
“This album celebrates the highs and lows of life. It’s about recognizing that although things can be hard, they’re also beautiful. Pangea: Rebirth covers a lot of ground, and I think that’s what makes it a true album – it reflects the complexity of the human experience.”
Patrick Smith
Pangea: Rebirth
(Independent)
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Artist Links
SPILL NEW MUSIC: IAN NORTH – “ANTARCTICA”
SPILL NEW MUSIC: TRISTAN ARMSTRONG – “THE LONELY AVENUE”
SPILL NEW MUSIC: SLEEPKIT – “CAMP EMOTION”
SPILL NEW MUSIC: BETH BAINES – “NEPETA”
