Rod Stewart and Jools Holland Struck by Swing Fever

Stewart and Holland selected thirteen traditional jazz and swing pieces from the golden era of big bands, the 1930s and 1940s. With the help of his undeniable charm and, more importantly, the former member Squeeze, Rod The Mod was able to give the songs new life.

Stewart had already had some experience with these kinds of albums – he released several volumes of The Great American Songbook, where he covered pop standards, and on the album Soulbook, he took on Motown and old soul songs. So Swing Fever was a very natural territory for him, which is reflected in the resulting sound. Reportedly, Stewart had already been working on a swing album, but wasn't too happy with the progress, so he contacted Jools Holland.

The album won't let you stay still and will get you moving right from the first track "Lullaby Of Broadway", which includes a tap dance passage. Stewart's raspy voice gives the songs just the right amount of oomph, whether it's the bluesy "Night Rain" or the swinging "Love Is The Sweetest Thing" with beautiful backing vocals, a saxophone solo and a nice ska feel.

"Good Rocking Tonight" by Roy Brown, which Elvis Presley himself included in his repertoire in the 1950s, also swings great. You can tell right away that Stewart feels at home here, and there is no need to talk about the great rock'n'roll guitar. In "Frankie & Johnny", Jools Holland reminds us what a great pianist he is. The album has no downright slow passages and the old country song "Tennesse Waltz" is played in a faster tempo.

What can musicians appreciate about the album?

We can feel the tangible joy of making music from the album. Holland brought the entire 18-piece band to his studio in Greenwich, where they recorded together. Everything, including the solos, was reportedly recorded live, and later Stewart added his distinctive vocals. The positive mood of the album easily transfers to the listener. The duo chose songs that make you dance, and it's almost impossible to sit still while listening. This combination was indeed successful.

Rod Stewart with Jools Holland – Swing fever

Warner Music, 00:38:00

swing/jazz

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