INTERVIEW: Jazz vocalist Veronica Swift has some ‘Confessions’ to sing
Photo: Veronica Swift’s new album is called Confessions. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by GOGO PR with permission.
Jazz vocalist Veronica Swift continues to make a name for herself in the music industry, and her singing talents can be heard on her latest album, Confessions. She recently performed with the Emmet Cohen Trio at On Stage at Kingsborough in southern Brooklyn, New York, and she will soon perform in Australia and at Birdland in Midtown Manhattan.
Swift has been exposed to jazz for quite some time because the genre of music runs in the family thanks to her father, a pianist, and her mother, a singer. This meant she had the chance to perform at a young age at some prestigious venues, including the Jazz Standard and Dizzy’s Club. In her 20s, she expanded her gigging to include Lincoln Center, Telluride Jazz Festival, Blues Alley and the Jazz Cruise.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Swift about her love of jazz. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
When did you first fall in love with jazz music?
I never fell in love with jazz. I grew up in a household where jazz was the way of life, and I was always on the road with mom and dad at their gigs hearing their music. I never had a passion for it; I never had that lightbulb moment where this was what I always wanted to do for the rest of my life. It’s more like growing up speaking a first language … you don’t have any kind of passion about it, but it is something you are grateful for as it is part of your identity.
What was it like growing up and having parents who were involved in the world of jazz?
I never thought it was cool or anything to have musician parents. Jazz legends like Phil Woods and Bob Dorough, Jon Hendricks, I would meet these people all the time, and they were like family. Just another day in the life. I knew I was living an unorthodox life on the road, but I still had a life in public school like other kids. I wouldn’t change anything for the world!
What do you especially love about the Great American Songbook?
I love the great American songbook because the music is timeless and lyrically and musically connects with people of all ages and races. People who don’t like jazz vs. aficionados — this music connects and speaks to everyone.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ll be headed off to Australia on tour and will also kick off the 2019 holiday season with a Thanksgiving week appearance at Birdland jazz club.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Veronica Swift will play Birdland in New York City Nov. 26-30. Click here for more information and tickets.
