Patrick Smith's Pangea Offers A Bold Fusion of Jazz, Culture, and Global Connection

Patrick Smith, a saxophonist originally from Ottawa, Ontario, is now a prominent figure in Toronto's vibrant music scene. Having honed his craft under the tutelage of Mike Murley, Kelly Jefferson, and renowned American saxophonist Mark Shim, Smith has developed into a versatile and sought-after musician. His career spans multiple projects, including his quintet, the trio 3-Oh, and his newest endeavor, Pangea – a jazz fusion concept group that brings together some of Toronto’s most talented musicians.

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Pangea is an ambitious project that blends various genres, drawing inspiration from the spiritual legacy of jazz legends like John Coltrane, while infusing the sound with modern influences in the context of today's globally connected world. The group is made up of a formidable ensemble of local musicians, including Darryl Joseph-Denie (Ahi, Who You Got?), Kae Murphy (BADBADNOTGOOD, Whitney), and Jon Catanus (Erez Zobary, Diskarte). Together, they are preparing to release their debut album in January 2025, an album that promises to showcase their bold, genre-blurring approach to music.

Smith’s vision for Pangea was to combine a wide range of musical styles, including Arabic music, R&B/neo-soul, UK jazz, and the late works of jazz titans like John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, and Sun Ra. One of the standout tracks from the upcoming album, “Another Set,” embodies this vision. The melody of the song is inspired by the violin sections of traditional Arabic music, specifically drawing from the style of Johnny Abou Chacra of Kazdoura, whose saxophone and guitar work deeply influenced Smith. The song encapsulates Pangea’s multifaceted sound and explores the emotional resilience needed to push through tough times, even when giving up feels like the easier option.

Smith’s personal connection to music is rooted in his childhood experience of loneliness, and this project serves as a way for him to feel more connected to something greater than himself. Reflecting on the diversity within Pangea, Smith notes how each member of the group comes from a different ethnic background and upbringing, with varied musical influences shaping their sound. “Artists and musicians know this, but it’s just ridiculous that humans as a species are still killing each other over being different...in 2024,” he says. He named the project Pangea to symbolize global unity and to maintain an open-minded approach to blending musical and cultural ideas.

In addition to his work with Pangea, Patrick Smith has built a rich career as a freelance musician, touring extensively across Canada, the US, and Europe. He has performed with a diverse array of artists, including Erez Zobary, My Son The Hurricane, Chelsea McBride’s Socialist Night School, and Legends of Motown, which features Michael Dunston and Gary Beals. Smith’s contributions to Toronto's music scene are vast, having worked with groups such as Yemen Blues, Heavyweights Brass Band, Dee Dee and the Dirty Martinis, Kazdoura, and Shout The Band.

For Smith, playing the saxophone is more than just a technical pursuit—it’s about evoking emotion and connecting with his audience on a deeper level. “Before any gig, I usually say, ‘Alright everybody, let’s change some lives,’” he shares. Though often perceived as a joke, Smith is serious about his intention. “I really am not a fan of musicians who are perfect at their instrument. I find them boring to listen to. It doesn’t sound like they’re going for anything—they’re just playing the instrument well or writing music that works rather than music that expresses,” he explains. Smith seeks a higher level of artistry with each performance, believing that the journey of improvisation and composition creates a more engaging and emotional experience for the listener.

Patrick Smith’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of music make him one of the most exciting and innovative saxophonists in today’s jazz and fusion scenes. Through his work with Pangea and his other musical endeavors, Smith continues to explore new possibilities, blending genres and cultures to create music that resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level.