Welcome to Singing with Swing, your perfect Sunday night companion on The Improv Cafe Radio Station! If you’re craving a cozy, relaxing evening filled with the smooth sounds of vocal jazz, this is the show you’ve been waiting for. Sundays are meant to be a time for unwinding, and we’ve crafted this show to provide the ideal backdrop for your end-of-week retreat.
Every Sunday, Singing with Swing delivers an exceptional selection of vocal jazz, featuring both legendary crooners and modern-day songstresses. Whether you’re a long-time jazz enthusiast or new to the genre, you’ll find something to captivate your ears and soothe your soul. From sultry ballads to upbeat swing tunes, we’ve got the perfect mix to elevate your Sunday evening and help you ease into the week ahead.
A Journey of Elegance and Sophistication
As the week winds down, let Singing with Swing transport you to a world of timeless elegance and rich harmonies. Picture yourself nestled in your favorite chair, a glass of wine in hand, as the velvety voices of iconic jazz vocalists fill the air. Our show takes you on a musical journey through classic jazz standards, contemporary interpretations, and everything in between. Whether it’s the smooth baritone of a legendary crooner or the soulful delivery of a modern jazz diva, each song is hand-picked to create the perfect ambiance for your evening.
A Show for Everyone
Singing with Swing is designed to be your musical escape, no matter your level of familiarity with jazz. Each week, we shine a spotlight on some of the most brilliant vocalists in the genre, from past greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra to contemporary stars such as Gregory Porter and Diana Krall. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night alone, sharing a moment with loved ones, or simply lounging at home, the show creates an atmosphere that makes every Sunday feel like a special occasion.
Relax and Unwind—We’ve Got the Playlist Covered
No need to spend time curating the perfect playlist—Singing with Swing does the hard work for you. Just tune in, sit back, and let the smooth melodies and captivating rhythms take over. We’ve handpicked every track to ensure that your Sunday night is filled with the best of vocal jazz, leaving you free to relax and enjoy without any effort.
Set the Mood for the Week Ahead
The best part? Singing with Swing sets the perfect tone for the week to come. Whether you’re winding down or preparing for a fresh start, our show provides an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and connection. Let the music renew your spirit and help you embrace the coming week with energy and positivity.
So, why not make Singing with Swing your Sunday night tradition? Tune in every week on The Improv Cafe Radio Station, and indulge in an evening of delightful vocal jazz that will soothe your soul and leave you feeling refreshed.
Don’t miss out on the best way to close out your weekend—Singing with Swing is waiting for you!
Quincy Jones: The Legacy of a Jazz Icon and Music Visionary
Quincy Jones, the legendary jazz musician, arranger, producer, and composer, passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on jazz, pop, and the music industry at large. From his early days as a trumpet player with Lionel Hampton’s band to his groundbreaking work as a producer for artists like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughan, Jones was at the heart of some of the most iconic moments in music history.
Jones’ influence is vast, but his roots in jazz were foundational to his creative journey. He first came to prominence in the 1950s as a jazz arranger and conductor, working with legends such as Count Basie, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. His career continued to evolve throughout the decades, and by the 1960s, Jones had become a sought-after film composer, earning Academy Award nominations for his work. He later moved into the realm of pop, producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and co-producing the historic charity single “We Are the World” in 1985.
Throughout his career, Jones demonstrated a unique ability to blend genres, bridging the worlds of jazz, pop, R&B, and world music. He worked with a dazzling array of artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Leslie Gore, while also producing albums for his own projects. Jones’ The Great Wide World of Quincy Jones and Quincy Jones Plays Hip Hits became essential listening for fans of jazz, and his 1989 album Back on the Block won the Grammy for Album of the Year.
The Global Gumbo Project: Quincy Jones Live in Concert
One of the most memorable expressions of Quincy Jones’ legacy as both a jazz musician and a mentor was the Global Gumbo Project, a musical collaboration that brought together some of the world’s most gifted young artists. In 2014, Jones curated a live performance that featured a diverse lineup of performers, including Alfredo Rodríguez (piano), Nikki Yanofsky (vocals), and Andreas Varady (guitar), among others.
The concert, which took place at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, was a testament to Jones’ ability to blend global sounds and genres. Nikki Yanofsky, a young Canadian jazz vocalist, drew inspiration from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and was mentored by Jones, who helped guide her career. Alfredo Rodríguez, a Cuban pianist, explored his cultural roots in his album The Invasion Parade, produced by Jones. Andreas Varady, a young Slovakian-Irish guitarist, was another of Jones’ protégés, and at just 16, he was already being hailed as one of the most talented musicians of his generation.
The Global Gumbo Project was a celebration of Jones’ enduring influence and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of musicians. The concert exemplified his unique ability to connect diverse musical styles—from jazz and Latin to pop and classical—and to elevate young artists alongside established icons.
A Storied Career and Lasting Impact
Jones’ career was marked by an unprecedented array of achievements. His 80 Grammy nominations (a record he held for many years) and 28 Grammy wins, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, speak to his extraordinary impact on the music industry. Jones worked with some of the biggest names in music, produced some of the most enduring albums of all time, and helped shape the soundtracks of entire generations.
Beyond his musical achievements, Quincy Jones was also a philanthropist, an advocate for arts education, and a tireless champion for social causes. His efforts in music preservation, underprivileged youth outreach, and mental health awareness left a profound legacy that went far beyond his extensive discography.
A Tribute to Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones was more than a musician; he was a cultural force who shaped the very sound of modern music. His death leaves a void in the music world, but his contributions—his records, his productions, his mentorship—will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike. In a statement following his passing, Jones’ family wrote, “Although this is an incredible loss, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
As we reflect on Quincy Jones’ remarkable life and career, it’s clear that his music and his vision will live on for generations to come. From his early days as a jazz musician to his later accomplishments as a pop mastermind and humanitarian, Quincy Jones’ legacy is one that transcends genres, cultures, and generations.