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Alex Mendham

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Alex Mendham
Art Deco Singer and Bandleader Alex Mendham
Art Deco Singer and Bandleader Alex Mendham
Background information
Born (1989-09-13) 13 September 1989 (age 35)
Essex, England
GenresJazz, British dance band, show tunes, cabaret
OccupationProducer – singer – bandleader
Instrument(s)Vocals, saxophone
Years active2010–present
LabelsDecca Records
Member ofAlex Mendham & His Orchestra
Website[1]

Alex Mendham (born 13 September 1989 in Essex, England) is an English singer, saxophonist, and bandleader. He is best known as the founder and leader of Alex Mendham & His Orchestra.[1]

Founding his orchestra in 2010, Mendham, who has been described as a very classic British gentleman with a flawless and sophisticated attire, has risen to become Britain's premier bandleader recreating the glamorous, romantic music of the 1920s and 1930s by replicating the authentic aura of every song using careful arrangements and instruments from the era.[2] Performing in elegant attire from the Art Deco era, Alex and his Orchestra performed as the house band at London's luxurious Savoy Hotel, is frequently featured on BBC Radio[3][4] and appeared on stage to sell out audiences in the UK,[5] Europe and USA.[6][7][8] He has been featured on the BBC and in journals including Forbes.[9]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic that devastated the livelihoods of musicians,[10] Mendham signed to Decca Records for a project celebrating the career of Dame Vera Lynn, entitled Keep Smiling Through[11] and recorded his uplifting compilation of hot jazz standards and romantic songs, Puttin' on the Ritz.

Discography

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  • Whistling in the Dark (2013)[12]
  • Jazznocracy (2015)
  • On with the Show (2017)
  • Puttin' on the Ritz (2020)

Mendham launched a Kickstarter Campaign to fund his 2020 album exceeding his £7,000 goal with £11,120 pledged by 158 backers. Recording of the album and a series of concerts aboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2 on a transatlantic crossing to New York City was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when lock down restrictions were temporarily eased in the UK, Mendham succeeded in assembling the orchestra and recording the album.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Alex Mendham & His Orchestra". Alex Mendham & His Orchestra. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  2. ^ "A gentle conversation with Alex Mendham – Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, London". mymoderndarcy. 9 March 2017. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  3. ^ Rafferty, Sean (29 June 2016). "Sean Rafferty with music and guests bandleader Alex Mendham and his orchestra". BBC Radio 3. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  4. ^ "In Tune Sessions: Alex Mendham and his Orchestra". BBC Radio. 7 July 2016. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  5. ^ Chapman, Chapman (8 October 2019). "Tune into the Roaring Twenties at Burgh Island". The Moorlander. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  6. ^ Sheridan, Brian (1 May 2020). "Alex Mendham and the Classic British Dance Band". The Syncopated Times. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Alex Mendham & His Orchestra". The List. 18 January 2021.
  8. ^ "ROSL TUNE INTO THE 20S WITH ALEX MENDHAM AND HIS ORCHESTRA". Royal Overseas League. 29 November 2019. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020.
  9. ^ Sabino, Catherine (21 August 2019). "Celebrate The New 'Downton Abbey' Movie At The Real Downton Abbey". Forbes. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  10. ^ Barker, Ed (25 September 2020). "Rishi Sunak's winter economy plan will silence the UK music scene". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020.
  11. ^ Sexton, Paul (20 October 2020). "Care Home Singalong To Mark Dame Vera Lynn's 'Keep Smiling Through'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Alex Mendham and His Orchestra". Rivermont Records.
  13. ^ "Puttin' on the Ritz". spotify. 18 January 2021.
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